Birds are in dire straits in Uttarakhand due to the environmental changes that have taken place in recent years. However, among other measures, the Forest Department has proposed to set up a foundation- the Monal Foundation, to work on various aspects related to birds including the development of bird tourism and conservation in the State.
The formation of this foundation and other issues were discussed in a meeting on bird tourism in Uttarakhand which was attended by department officials, representatives of various organisations and birding enthusiasts in Dehradun on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering, principal chief conservator of forests Shrikant Chandola stressed on the need for setting the future agenda for bird tourism and conservation. He said, "Birds are very valuable for foresters as they are major seed dispersers. However, birds are in dire straits now due to changes in the environment. They have specific likes and dislikes for trees when it comes to nesting and perching.
large patches of exotic trees like eucalyptus and teak are avoided by birds while farms have been replaced by buildings which have also proved detrimental to birds. By focusing on bird tourism initially to boost livelihood opportunities for the people, the focus will then be on facilitating more efficient bird conservation. The proposed foundation will help effective execution of tasks for both bird tourism and conservation," he added.
Chief conservator of forests (Environment) Rajiv Bhartari said that Uttarakhand has 693 bird species. The department has so far held 26 bird watching camps to train staff and locals in bird watching and related activities. He informed, "We are planning to develop 16 prominent sites for birding in four hubs- Mussoorie, Dehradun, Powalgarh and Nainital. The Doon University will also be introducing a 6-month nature guide diploma course. Our vision is to develop Uttarakhand into a global birding destination and the proposed Monal Foundation will help in planning, execution and publicity of various tasks needed to achieve this."
Sejal Worah of WWF spoke on the need for ascertaining the task and areas where various organisations concerned can prove useful. Dipankar Ghosh
of WWF elicited focus on the importance of capacity building among locals, development of interpretative facilities at selected sites, development of regulatory and institutionalized framework for promotion of birding and the promotion of birding destinations.
Raman Kumar of Nature Science Initiative spoke on the Doon valley birding circuit that will comprise various locations in Asan conservation reserve, Chilla and Thano. Sanjay Sondhi of Titli Trust spoke on the birding and eco-tourism initiatives being undertaken at present with the participation of locals in both Garhwal and Kumaon. CCF (Wildlife) Dhananjai Mohan, department officials and others also expressed their views on the occasion.