Chandigarh, January 15: Today, a week-long migratory bird watching excursion and cleanliness drive for School students was inaugurated by Shri TC Nautiyal, IFS, Director, Department of Environment & Chief Conservator of Forests, Chandigarh Administration. This initiative was jointly organized by the Department of Environment, and Yuvsatta-NGO. In which, 50 students of Government Model Sr. Sec. School, Dhanas, enjoyed a ‘Jungle Walk’, through the 3 kms. trek in the forest behind Sukhna Lake, followed by a learning trip to the famous Chandigarh Bird Park.

Prominent amongst those who participated included Mrs. Seema Rani, Principal of Government Model Sr. Sec. School, Dhanas, environmentalist Mr. Kulbhushan Kanwar & Mr. Pramod Sharma, Founder of Yuvsatta.

Addressing the participating students and teachers on the occasion Sh. TC Nautiyal said that through such initiatives young children are sensitized about the important role birds play in human existence on mother earth, as they are the critical link within the vast food chains and webs that exist in our ecosystem. He also added that the annual migration of hundreds of migratory birds to Sukhna Lake is one of nature's most energetic and awe-inspiring phenomena. And over the years their department had made adequate arrangements for the migratory birds to thrive and grow more here.

Environmentalist Kulbhushan Kanwar, an avid bird watcher, was the resource person to guide the students. And they saw many beautiful birds like Bar-headed Goose, Common Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveller, Knob-billed Duck, Lesser Whistling Duck, Marsh Harrier, Grey Heron, Great Cormorant, Snake Bird-Datar etc. And most of them come from Siberia, Afghanistan, Tibet, Europe, Magnolia and China etc. to northern wintering grounds.

Summing up the initiative Pramod Sharma, Coordinator of Yuvsatta shared that we humans can learn a lot more from birds, their exemplary team spirit, self-discipline in daily routine. Mrs. Seema Rani added that life is created in such a way so as to enable us to withstand the challenges and overcome the hardships it brings. And if there's one creature in nature that's a perfect example of this, it's undoubtedly the bird, with all its patience and perseverance.

Tomorrow at 09.30 a.m., another group of students of Government Girls Model Sr. Sec. School, Sector 18B, Chandigarh will join this excursion.