Home >> Raipur

Chhattisgarh’s first-ever bird fest at Bemetara from January 31

| Saturday | 30th January, 2021

With an aim to conserve migratory birds, connect people with birds and boost natural environment, a three-day-long bird festival -- which is said to be the first-ever bird fest of Chhattisgarh -- is being organised in Bemetara district from January 31, amid avian influenza.
Conceptualized by Durg DFO Dhammshil Ganvir, the fest is being organized by the forest department; Chhattisgarh State Biodiversity Board in collaboration with CROW Foundation Jagdalpur and Nova nature welfare society Raipur at Gidhwa-Parsada village of Bemetara district.

Conceptualized by Durg DFO Dhammshil Ganvir, the fest is being organized by the forest department; Chhattisgarh State Biodiversity Board in collaboration with CROW Foundation Jagdalpur and Nova nature welfare society Raipur at Gidhwa-Parsada village of Bemetara district.

For the past few years, the wetlands of Gidhwa-Parsada village is home to a variety of winter migratory bird species in large numbers. More than 150 species of winter migratory and resident birds are observed during the month of November to March. Birds including Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Common Teal, Knob Billed Duck, Osprey, Garganey, and Gadwal are seen here.
Commenting on whether it is safe to organize the event amid bird flu outbreak,

Speaking about the event Ganvir said that a large number of winter migratory and resident birds are observed here and I found potential in this place in connection with bird conservation. Why not make the locals as well as other people aware of the birds and encourage them to save them.

“The major attraction in the bird fest will be Northern pintail which migrates from north to the South Pole. We have also arranged homestay for the participants to promote the concept of eco-tourism here”, he said.
Rangoli competition, drawing and painting competition, questionnaires, and debate competitions will also be held for the kids. A photography competition will be organized for all. In addition, cultural performances by local artists will also be held in the evening.

Besides, visits to villages to witness the local rural culture will also be done during the fest. It will be mandatory for all to follow Covid -19 precautions to avoid catching the infection. Lectures will be delivered by the experts on various subject topics including birds of Gidhwa-Parsada and their conservation, migratory birds in Gidhwa-Prasada, and water conservation in Gidhwa/Parsada for organic farming. A seven-kilometre long Pintail marathon will be organised on day three for the students.