Gorakhpur: Nature lovers gathered at the wetland area inside Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park on Monday and enjoyed birdwatching to mark World Wetlands Day. The event drew officials from the forest department, zoo authorities, birdwatchers, students and environmental activists.Organised jointly by the Gorakhpur Forest Division, Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park and Heritage Foundation, the early morning programme focused on observing local and migratory birds found in the wetland. Participants spotted several waterbird species, including painted stork, Asian openbill, grey heron and common coot. Using binoculars, experts helped identify the birds and explained their behaviour and life cycles.Highlighting the importance of wetlands, Heritage Foundation patron Anita Agrawal said wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, water storage, maintaining groundwater levels and climate balance. She added that an increase in bird numbers is a clear indicator of a healthy wetland ecosystem.Sahil Mahfooz encouraged students to prepare bird checklists and spread messages related to wildlife conservation. Zoo ranger Gaurav Verma and ranger Shyam Bihari said the zoo’s wetland is an important natural habitat within the urban landscape, supporting diverse bird species throughout the year.Students from the microbiology department of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University also participated in the programme. District project officer of Namami Gange Ashish Jaiswal, Heritage Foundation members Manish Chaubey and Ashish Kumar, along with experts from the Wildlife Institute of India’s wetlands centre, were present.The programme concluded with participants taking a pledge to protect wetlands and maintain cleanliness.
