Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 29: In a significant initiative aimed at promoting tourism in the saffron town of Pampore in Pulwama district, a bird festival was organised at Chatlam Wetland in the area.
This wetland, one of the nine designated wetlands in the Valley, becomes a haven for thousands of migratory birds escaping the harsh winters of Siberia, Northern Europe, and Central Asia. Commencing in October and spanning five to six months, these avian guests transform the wetlands into a vibrant spectacle.
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Against the backdrop of the mesmerising presence of migratory birds, the festival, a collaborative effort of the Department of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, Kashmir, Sanctuary Nature Foundation, and Wildlife Conservation Fund, unfolded for the first time in Pampore.
The inaugural ceremony, graced by Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh, drew a substantial crowd of nature enthusiasts, bird lovers, and students. The festival featured engaging activities such as live painting competitions, nature walks, and interactions with young ornithologists and bird experts. Attendees savoured authentic Pampore flavours, including Saffron Kehwa and Pampore Shirmal, enhancing the overall experience.
Expressing gratitude to the Department of Tourism for choosing Chatlam Wetland as the festival venue, Nadeem Qadri, founder of the Wildlife Conservation Fund, underscored the importance of raising awareness about the region’s biodiversity and promoting sustainable tourism. “The festival would put Pampore, which is famous for its saffron, on the tourism map,” he said.
Deeba Khalid, Deputy Director of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, emphasised the global significance of birding in tourism and stressed the importance of eco-tourism and sustainability. She highlighted Kashmir’s unique position as a destination for birdwatching, with rich biodiversity, and affirmed that the festival serves as a means to create awareness among various stakeholders, including students, local communities, and the hospitality sector.
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