Lucknow: On February 15, 2025, the Honorable Chief Minister issued a press note regarding the organization of the state-level USPJ and Bird Festival. A curtain raiser event was organised at Lucknow for the main festival on 15th February. A walkathon of school kids was organised. The function was graced by Hon. Forest Minister, Aparna Yadav ji, PCCF & HoFF sir. They flagged of the walkathon where kids from millennium school participated. There was an ITBP band who played music during the flag-off. The walk from 1090 chauraha passed through road and ended at zoo gate. There a small function was conducted in Saras Auditorium. In that Hon Minister sir released the Mascot & Teaser for the bird festival. He then addressed the audience & wished the department best of luck for the main event.
Every year, World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2 to raise awareness among the public about the conservation and protection of wetlands. In Uttar Pradesh, a grand Bird Festival is organized on this occasion. This year, too, Bird Festivals were held in all districts of the state on February 2.
On the occasion of the Maha Kumbh, the state government has decided to organize the state-level USPJ and Bird Festival on February 17, 2025, in the Sangam area of Prayagraj.
The Bird Festival in Uttar Pradesh was initially organized in 2015 and 2016 in Chambal. In 2017, under the able leadership of the then Honorable Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the international-level Bird Festival was held in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Lakhimpur Kheri. In subsequent years, it was organized in different locations:
•2019: Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Unnao. •2020: Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Agra, and 2021 :Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Gautam Buddha Nagar
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bird Festival could not be held in 2022. However, in 2023, it was organized in Vijay Sagar Bird Sanctuary, Mahoba, and in 2024, it took place at Surajpur Wetland.
This year, the festival is scheduled to take place on February 17, 2025, at Sangam, Prayagraj. The Indian Skimmer has been selected as the mascot for Nature and Bird Festival 2025.
The Indian Skimmer is an important bird that highlights the health of Indian rivers. This bird is commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks. It has distinct characteristics, including Black and White plumage with yellow beak- the upper part is smaller ascompared to its lower part, allowing it to float effortlessly on the water surface while catching prey. In the local language, this bird is known as “Pancheera”.
In Uttar Pradesh, this bird inhabits areas along the Ganges, Yamuna, and Chambal rivers. However, due to riverbank encroachments, pollution, and illegal sand mining, the population of the Indian Skimmer has been declining, leading to its classification as an Endangered species. In Uttar Pradesh, the estimated population of this bird is around 1,000in Uttar Pradesh.
Events like the Nature andBird Festival provide an opportunity for self-reflection and remind us of our responsibilities towards nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. These events encourage people to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle and become environmental stewards.
The festival is organized in collaboration with the Forest Department and various other departments and institutions, including educational institutions and ornithological organizations. Several activities take place during the festival, such as:
•Painting, Debate, Poster, and Slogan Competitions
•Photography Competitions and Exhibitions
Additionally, government officials and employees demonstrating exceptional contributions to conservation efforts are recognized and rewarded. A technical session is also been conducted as part of the event.
Moderated and coordinated by Mukesh Singh chairman Indo American chamber of commerce .
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