Jharkhand Bird Festival Returns to Dalma Sanctuary with Focus on Ecology
The second edition of the Jharkhand Bird Festival officially commenced on Monday at the picturesque Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary in Jamshedpur. This three-day event, organized by the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, brings together nature enthusiasts to celebrate avian diversity and promote ecological awareness.
Diverse Participation and Engaging Activities
The festival has attracted an impressive gathering of 100 bird enthusiasts from six different states across India. Participants include college students, working professionals, scholars, bloggers, ornithologists, and common birdwatchers, creating a vibrant community of nature lovers.
The event features a comprehensive program including:
- Multiple bird-watching sessions throughout the sanctuary
- Photography competitions to capture avian beauty
- Interactive dialogues on conservation strategies
- Presentations by participating birders on the concluding day
- Field visits for spotting and photographing birds
- Evening educational sessions with avifauna experts
Conservation and Education at the Forefront
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Dalma, Saba Alam Ansari, emphasized the festival's educational mission. "Participants will receive detailed information about endangered species, and we will organize sessions exploring sustainable models for ecological conservation," Ansari stated.
The festival also highlights the importance of responsible tourism, with dedicated audio-video sessions on this crucial subject running parallel to the main conservation discussions. This dual focus aims to create environmentally conscious visitors who contribute positively to wildlife habitats.
Inauguration and Historical Context
The event was formally inaugurated by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Rajiv Ranjan Singh, who was joined by senior officials from the Kolhan forest division. Their presence underscored the government's commitment to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism initiatives.
This year's festival builds on the success of the inaugural 2025 edition, where birders identified an impressive 150 species of birds. That first gathering documented numerous migratory birds that travel to the Dalma hills from distant South Asian and European countries.
Notable species spotted during the first edition included:
- Eurasian kestrel
- Indian nightjar
- Black-hooded oriole
- Blue-capped rock thrush
- Black-rumped flameback woodpecker
The current festival continues this tradition of discovery while adding stronger educational and conservation components, making it a significant event for both bird enthusiasts and environmental advocates across the region.
