In one-of-its-kind initiative, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has organised India’s first Bird Festival in Pune from January 9- 11 at The mission Raja Ravi Verma art gallery , Ghole road Pune and Indradhanushya Paryavarn Kendra, Rajendranagar, Pune. The event is organised to promote eco-tourism in Maharashtra.
The 3-day Bird Festival supported by various NGO’s like GIB foundation, Bombay Natural History, Important Bird Conservation Network and Forest Department. The major attraction at the festival are bird watching sessions which will be held at Bhamburda Hill on Jan 10, 2015 and Kawadi on Jan 11, 2015. Festival also highlights various workshops on artificial nest building and bird photography. The photo exhibition on the birds and interaction with expert bird photographers is worth an experience.
Valsa Nair Singh, secretary tourism, Govt of Maharashtra and managing director, MTDC said, “Bird Festival is an attempt to explore the nature, especially the diversity of the natural ecosystem. This is an innovative, effective and meaningful method to educate people for preserving our great natural heritage. This will help boosting eco-tourism.” The Festival will also give a chance to the tourists to interact with renowned bird watchers from Maharashtra. Also, audio visual talks by expert and films on birds will be screened at the Festival.
Maharashtra posses a distinct identity with its geography, history and cultural diversity. Its natural ecosystems enhances the rich heritage. Our country has 1300 species of birds which is approximately 13 per cent of the total birds found in the world. Maharashtra has habitats which support different bird species, therefore MTDC has initiated this festival that will help tourist understand our rich bird diversity.