Maharashtra Bird Week begins with conservation drives in Nashik and Kolhapur
The week-long programme focuses on wetland conservation and migratory bird documentation until November 12.
Maharashtra Bird Week commenced on November 5 with conservation drives, bird counts, and nature walks in Nashik and Kolhapur, according to Urban Acres. The programme, which runs until November 12, marks the birth anniversaries of wildlife writer Maruti Chitampalli and Salim Ali, known as the Birdman of India.
In Nashik, activities are being held at the Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary, which is Maharashtra’s first Ramsar site. The wildlife department said the timing coincides with the arrival of winter migratory birds from Europe and Northern Asia.
Officials in Nashik plan to conduct scientific bird counts and habitat surveys to document arriving species. Scheduled activities include nature workshops, wildlife documentary screenings, photography competitions, and a habitat cleanliness drive to reduce plastic pollution.
In Kolhapur, the forest department worked with Sahyadri Shiledar Seva Trust and Birds of Kolhapur to launch the programme at Tabak Van Udyan in Panhala. The opening event included a bird walk and a heritage trail attended by more than 40 volunteers.
History researcher Ram Yadav stated that nature conservation has been practised in the area for about 400 years, citing historical practices from the eras of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj.
Range forest officers Prashant Awale, Vishal Patil, and Ajit Mali have appealed to students, teachers, and NGOs to participate in the remaining events through November 12.