Hon’ble Lt Governor Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) attends celebration of 2nd Himalayan Bird Count/World Migratory Bird Day

CITY REPORTER LEH:- The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), attended the 2nd edition of Himalayan Bird Count and the celebration of World Migratory Bird Day organised by Wildlife Conservation and Birds Club of Ladakh (WCBCL) in collaboration with Department of Wildlife Protection, UT Ladakh; UNDP’s Secure Himalaya, Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust, Nature Conservation Foundation and WWF, at Sindhu Ghat. The theme for this year’s World Migratory Bird Day is Water: Sustaining Bird Life.

Reinforcing the pledge taken by the youth and officials to protect the environment, HLG highlighted the need for taking necessary measures for environment protection due to climate change as a result of the imbalance between nature and humans due to the increase in human populations and various developmental activities. He stated that the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji has taken the lead in the fight against climate change to put a check on global warming. He emphasised the need for becoming conscious about leading a healthy life and protecting our fragile environment.

HLG stated that the onus is on our youth, who has a big and active role to play in protecting the fragile environment. He emphasised the need to leave the world in a better way for posterity. He highlighted the inherent qualities of humans for centuries to protect and preserve our rich nature and wildlife.

Sharing memories of his childhood and the values taught to him by his parents to protect wildlife, HLG emphasised the need to carry forward this lesson so that everyone will contribute to the protection of our environment. He highlighted three major qualities of migratory birds, which he stated everyone should learn from them, i.e. their superb navigation skills, endurance and group affinity.

HLG suggested the youth from Ladakh should sensitise their family members, friends, relatives and neighbours about protecting the environment and wildlife and utilise the resources available to them in this regard. He appreciated and complimented the organisers and students for their active participation.

HLG also launched the book, ‘Bird Life of Ladakh and Their Conservation Status’ authored by former Divisional Forest Officer, Shri Mohd Abbas. He also interacted with the students who attended the event.

Principal Secretary, Dr Pawan Kotwal informed about the rich wildlife/flora and fauna of Ladakh, the recognition of the Black-necked crane and snow leopard as the State Bird and Animal of Ladakh, the efforts being made by the Wildlife Department to protect the endangered species of animals and birds and the initiative taken in collaboration with Panchayats to protect the nesting ground of the migratory birds.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Shri Jigmet Takpa highlighted the importance of World Migratory Bird Day and shared several trivia with the students.

Ex-DFO Shri Mohd Abbas informed that information about 256 species of birds found in Ladakh has been included in his book. He highlighted the challenges faced by the wildlife and migratory birds and requested the creation of artificial water bodies or a bird sanctuary to facilitate safe surroundings and breeding environments for the migratory birds found in Ladakh.

Lobzang Visuddha from WBBCL gave the vote of thanks.

Earlier, everyone took the pledge to protect the environment as a part of the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) concept introduced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji at COP26 in Glasgow.

Principal Secretary, Dr Pawan Kotwal; PCCF Shri Jigmet Takpa; Regional Wildlife Warden, Shri Sajjad Mufti; Head of Departments; officials/representatives from various NGOs and students from Lamdon School, Moravian Missionary School and Mahabodhi School were present during the event.