Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s rich wildlife tourism will be a major draw for overseas Indians visiting the state for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas from January 8. Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia announced that participants will tour Nandankanan Zoological Park, Satpada, and Barkul in Chilika, where they will witness various bird species and rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
Fifth National Chilika Bird Festival
The 5th National Chilika Bird Festival will take place from January 6 to 12, celebrating the state’s commitment to biodiversity. Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida will inaugurate the event at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Centre on January 6.
The festival will feature ecologists, bird enthusiasts, and conservationists from across the country. Highlights include a photography expedition for 60 participants at Nalabana and Mangalajodi from January 6 to 8 and traditional art exhibitions by students from various art colleges and institutions. The event will feature globally acclaimed bird experts Dr. Asad Rahmani and Dr. Suresh Kumar, along with renowned wildlife photographer Dhrutiman Mukherjee.
Witness the magic of wings in harmony at the 5th National Chilika Bird Festival 2025.
— PCCF WL & CWLW, Odisha (@PCCFWL_Odisha) January 1, 2025
📅 Dates: 6th-12th Jan 2025
📍 Chilika & Mangalajodi
🌏 Celebrate nature, birdwatching & conservation!
🎟️ Register Now: https://t.co/xrFWlkUPGA#ChilikaBirdFestival2025 #Birdwatching pic.twitter.com/RGJS9snUvy
Bird Count on January 17-18
A statewide bird census will be conducted from January 17 to 18, covering water bodies like Chilika, Hirakud, Ansupa, and Bhitarkanika. For the first time, satellite collar rings will be used to monitor migratory bird movements.
“Ten birds, including species like flamingos, bar-headed geese, pintails, and black-tailed godwits, will be tagged with satellite collar rings to track their movements,” said SingKhuntia.
The census will employ advanced technology and expertise to ensure precise data collection. Last year, over 1.1 million birds of 184 species were recorded in Chilika.
New Research Centre
Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated research center in Chilika for monitoring the movement of birds and turtles. This initiative aims to enhance understanding and protection of these species, Minister Khuntia added.
While the Tourism Department traditionally organizes the festival, this year, the Forest (Wildlife) Department has taken the lead due to the department’s involvement in Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.
Key Highlights of the Bird Festival:
• Competitions: Quiz, poster, and painting contests held for students in Chilika and Bhubaneswar, with winners to be felicitated during the inauguration.
• Bird Watching: Registered photographers will explore Nalban and Mangalajodi from January 6-8. Birdwatching walks will also be held in Bhubaneswar at Forest Park, Regional Plant Research Centre, and Anandavan from January 8-10.
• Art Exhibitions: Live art and poster displays by students from BK Arts College, Khallikote College, and Utkal University of Culture.
• Educational Activities: Wildlife documentaries, photo exhibitions, and art showcases for school students at the Regional Science Museum from January 7-12.
• Odisha Bird Conclave: A conclave at Barkula, Chilika, from January 10-11, where birdwatchers and researchers will engage in discussions and field visits to Nalabana.
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