Port Blair, Mar 18: The two – day guide training programme in Bird Watching organised by the Directorate of Tourism in association with Department of Environment & Forest and Zoological Survey of India, Port Blair got off to an enthusiastic start at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Tourism today. Smt Ankita Mishra Bundela, Secretary(Tourism) inaugurated the programme and expressed happiness to the overwhelming response of local youths to attend the programme
The Secretary(Tourism) said that the Islands are blessed with high degree endemism and avian bio-diversity which are similar to that Myanmar and South -East Asian Countries. Out of the 142 endemic birds species of Indian subcontinent, 28 endemic species found in Andaman and Nicobar Islands which shows the potential for Bird Watching as an encouraging career option for the unemployed youths. She further asked the Department to organise similar programme for butterfly identification which is also a niche segment.
Dr. Sivaperuman, Scientist, Zoological Survey of India through a power point presentation highlighted the avian wealth of the Island and gave practical tips for beginners in the field of Bird Watching. Shri Vikram Shiel, Resource Person and Popular Guide in Bird Watching in the Island shared his experiences as a Bird Watcher and interacted with the participants.
As many as 48 local youths including from Travel & Trade, Research Scholars, Students are attending the programme which is scheduled to conclude tomorrow(19.03.2016) with the field visit to Birding sites of South Andaman Islands including Chidiyatapu Biological Park.
Dr. P.Viswakannan, Director(Tourism) has appreciated the cooperation and support extended by Department of Environment & Forests; Zoological Survey of India, Port Blair and Shri Vikram Sheil, a Renowned Bird Watching Guide of the Islands in successfully organising the programme.
