Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 05: As part of the Tourism Calendar of events for the year 2025-26, a bird walk was organized at Garacharma Wetland by the Tourism Department in association with the Department of Environment & Forest (DCF WL) with the main objective of promoting bird tourism in A&N Islands. Birding significantly enhances mental and physical health through stress reduction and gentle exercise, while also fostering a deep connection with nature and its biodiversity. The bird walk trail was guided by the expert deputed by the Forest Department.
Some of the birds sighted during the walk included: Lesser Whistling Duck, Cinnamon Bittern, Common Snipe, Grey-headed Swamphen, Purple Moorhen, Common Redshank, Common Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher and Pacific Golden Plover, etc.
During the walk, Mr. Ram Vikas, Forest Guard & Bird Watcher from the Forest Department guided the participants in bird watching and explained the importance of birds and their conservation. It was a unique experience for the participants of the bird walk trail as they were able to see different kinds of wetland birds at the site. This trail also cultivated observational skills and patience, provided educational opportunities through learning about species and habitats, encouraged social interaction & a greater sense of environmental stewardship among the participants who were provided with binoculars and spotting scopes by the Forest Department for spotting wetland birds.
The Manager (Ops), IP&T, Mrs. Rabia Mustafa spoke about the significance of bird tourism and bird watching. The bird walk was attended by the students of BBA (Tourism) from JNRM College, members of AATO & ANTOA, Andaman Avians Club and staff from the Tourism & Forest Departments. The primary objective of this bird walk was to promote and encourage bird tourism in the Islands.
