An international bird-watching programme was organised today at the scenic Rakchham area of the Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh under the joint aegis of the District Administration Kinnaur, Wildlife Division Sarahan, Wildlife Range Sangla, Gram Panchayat Rakchham, Youth Club Rakchham, and the Mountaineering Club Rakchham.
The event saw participation from delegates representing 15 countries, including Austria, Switzerland, England, Germany, Italy, Norway, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, France, and Spain.
During the session, participants observed and recorded more than 35 bird species, including Plumbeous Water Redstart, Blue-fronted Redstart, Rock Bunting, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Pink-browed Rosefinch, and Red-headed Bullfinch.
“People from 15 countries are in Kinnaur for training the local youths in the fielded of mountain climbing. The Himachal Wildlife Department was assigned the task to organize a bird-watching program for them. It is for the first time when a bird watching session involving foreigners was organized at Rakchham. Climbing session for the local youths is being carried out due to the joint efforts of district administration Kinnaur and two other NGOs working in the field of adventure tourism and sports”, Deputy Ranger, Rakchham, Santosh Thakur, told The Indian Express.
He said, “The participants were briefed about safety protocols and divided into three teams for field exploration. The teams, led by Van Mitras Prashant Negi, Nand Kishore, Akshay Kumar and wildlife experts Dr Shivani, and Alpana, covered three designated birding tracks from 7.30am to 10am.”
The international participants were also provided detailed information about the rich biodiversity of the Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary.
Speaking on the occasion, wildlife expert Dr Shivani emphasized that such initiatives play a vital role in promoting awareness about wildlife conservation. “It is essential for every individual to become conscious and contribute to the protection of wildlife and their habitats,” she said.
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The event concluded with an experience-sharing session, followed by a vote of thanks from Narendra, President of the Mountaineering Club Rakchham, and Nand Kishore (Johnny), Vice President, who expressed gratitude to all departments, NGOs, and participants for their collective efforts in making the programme a success.
Those present included Rohit, Bhupinder, Tenzin, Akshay, Neeraj, Saniya, and others.
