Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that activities like ‘Bird Festival’ should be organized in an effective manner to further boost tourism and economic activities in the State so as to attract international attention and also convey the message of wildlife conservation. The Governor was presiding over a meeting on Wildlife Day with the senior officers of the Forest Department here today. He said that the Bird Festival in the State has a big potential, which not only attracts the bird watchers throughout the world but also provides good prospects for them. He said that Pong Dam Lake wildlife sanctuary is the largest wetland of H.P having an area of 207 sq. km and was one of the most important bird sites of the State. He said that this site was known for the largest congregation of Bar Headed Geese in the world and 45 per cent of total world population, 40000 to 50000 Bar-headed geese reported from this sanctuary alone every year.
He added that it was the best wintering ground for migratory birds and since year 2000 around 420 bird species have been recorded in Pong. He said that annual water birds count nearly about 1.10 lakh. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that Western Tragopan was the state bird of Himachal Pradesh and efforts should be intensified for its conservation. He expressed satisfaction that efforts have been made in this direction at the Sarahan Pheasantry, which was the only captive breeding site for Western Tragopan in the World. He also stressed on implementing the flagship conservation programs of Cheer Pheasant, Western Tragopan etc. in a more effective manner. On the occasion, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wild Life) Rajeev Kumar gave power point presentation on wildlife conservation and said that strengthening of rapid response teams, Exchange of Surplus Asiatic Black Bear, Common Leopard, Snow Leopard, conservation & release programme of Monal, Cheer and Western Tragopan Pheasants being pursued during 2022. Vivek Bhatia, Secretary to Governor was also present on the occasion.
