Pampore, December 29,2025 — The 5-day Jammu & Kashmir Bird Festival 2025 was officially inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Integrative Science & Technology , Pampore, marking a significant step towards promoting bird conservation, biodiversity awareness, and eco-tourism in the Union Territory.
Organised by the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with environmental institutions, birding groups, and nature enthusiasts, the festival has brought together ornithologists, conservationists, students, photographers, and local communities from across the region.
As part of the opening-day activities, participants undertook a field visit to the Chatlam wetland, a vital bird habitat in south Kashmir. The wetland currently hosts a wide variety of migratory birds, offering participants a rare opportunity to observe and document species that travel thousands of kilometres from Central Asia and Europe during winter.
Officials highlighted that wetlands like Chatlam play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting avian diversity. Emphasis was laid on the need to protect these fragile ecosystems from pollution, encroachment, and climate-related threats.
Speaking at the inauguration, experts stressed that events like the Bird Festival help sensitise local communities, encourage responsible eco-tourism, and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities while preserving natural habitats.
The festival will continue over the next four days with birdwatching expeditions, expert talks, workshops, exhibitions, school outreach programmes, and photography sessions, aimed at fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.
Kashmir’s wetlands, forests, and alpine regions are known for hosting over 400 bird species, making Jammu & Kashmir one of India’s most important regions for avian conservation and nature-based tourism.
