In celebration of the state’s silver jubilee year, the Tourism Department, Nainital, has launched a five-day bird watching training programme at the Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve, Pangot, from November 1 to November 5.
In a major initiative to promote eco-tourism and generate employment for local youth, 25 participants are receiving hands-on training along the Pangot–Kilbury–China Peak stretch, one of the region’s richest birding routes. The sessions include practical bird-watching exercises and lectures on avian behaviour, conservation, and responsible tourism.
District Tourism Development Officer Atul Bhandari said that the training aims to prepare local youth as professional bird-watching guides, thereby creating sustainable livelihood opportunities while encouraging nature-based tourism.
Our correspondent reports that the programme has drawn the interest of several nature enthusiasts and young participants from surrounding villages. The training combines classroom sessions with guided walks, enabling participants to identify birds by appearance, sound, and flight pattern.
Bhandari added that, to mark 25 years of Uttarakhand’s statehood, the Tourism Department is conducting a series of awareness, training, and promotional programmes across various destinations to strengthen local tourism initiatives and highlight the state’s biodiversity.
Our correspondent adds that Uttarakhand is home to over 700 bird species, making it one of India’s leading bird-watching destinations. Participants at Pangot are expected to spot several Himalayan species such as the Himalayan Monal (state bird), Khalij Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Blue Whistling Thrush, Verditer Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and Himalayan Griffon, along with a variety of Laughingthrushes, Minivets, and Tits.
Located at an altitude of around 6,300 feet, Pangot is internationally renowned as a paradise for bird lovers. Its dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests attract both resident and migratory birds throughout the year. The training, being conducted in collaboration with local residents, also aims to enhance community participation in sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.
Officials said that the programme focuses on practical skill development, eco-friendly guiding techniques, and basic hospitality management, enabling participants to handle tourists professionally. The initiative aligns with the state government’s vision of balancing tourism development with environmental preservation.
