Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 4: As part of the 72nd Wildlife Week Celebration–2026, the Department of Environment & Forests organised a Birding Programme at Chidiyatapu, Biological Park today with the objective of fostering greater appreciation of the Islands’ rich avian diversity and strengthening public engagement in wildlife conservation.
The event was graced by the Shri. Gyanesh Bharti, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, senior officers of the Administration and Department of Environment & Forests. Their presence underscored the importance accorded to wildlife conservation, environmental awareness and responsible nature-based activities in the Islands.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation of around 35 nature enthusiasts, comprising members of the Avians Club, Andaman Nicobar Tour Operators Association, Andaman Association of Tour Operators, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI), college students from Pondicherry University, and volunteers from different walks of life.
The participants explored the natural trails of Chidiyatapu, Biological Park and undertook bird watching, gaining an opportunity to observe the rich avifaunal diversity of the area. Among the species sighted were the Andaman Green Pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon, Andaman Treepie, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Racket-tailed Drongo, Andaman Black-naped Oriole, Andaman Coucal, Andaman Bulbul, Red-whiskered Bulbul, White-headed Starling, Asian Glossy Starling, Andaman Serpent Eagle and White-bellied Sea Eagle, among others.