Under the guidance of Van Vihar Director Vijay Kumar, a bird-watching tour and a vulture awareness program were organized on September 5, 2026, to mark International Vulture Awareness Day. The event was held under the joint auspices of ‘Bhopal Birds’ and Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal. The objective of the program was to raise awareness among the general public, students, and nature enthusiasts about the importance of vultures, their ecological role, and the need for their conservation.
During the event, participants engaged in bird-watching within the natural surroundings of Van Vihar National Park and learned about the behavior and habitats of various bird species. Detailed information was provided regarding vulture identification, their lifestyle, diet, habitat, and their crucial role in the ecosystem.
Bird expert Dr. Sangeeta Rajgir explained that vultures are nature’s vital scavengers. They contribute significantly to keeping the environment clean by rapidly disposing of the remains of dead animals. Thus, vultures play a pivotal role in controlling the spread of diseases and maintaining ecological balance.
Assistant Director Dr. Ruhi Haq highlighted the conservation challenges facing vultures and called for collective efforts to protect their natural habitats, ensure safe food sources, and conserve the environment.
Mohd. Khalik from ‘Bhopal Birds’ emphasized that vulture conservation is not merely about protecting a single bird species; it is linked to the preservation of a healthy environment and a balanced ecosystem. He noted the importance of connecting people with nature and wildlife conservation through such awareness programs. Bird enthusiasts, students, nature lovers, and individuals interested in wildlife conservation participated in the event with great enthusiasm.
Additionally, an on-the-spot quiz and a ‘Snake and Ladder’ game demonstration were organized for tourists visiting Van Vihar between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM. Conducted by Dr. Hemant Bajpai, Shri Sanjay, and their team from the Bombay Natural History Society at the Snake Park, the activity saw the participation of approximately 150 people.
The winning participants were awarded prizes by Dr. Ruhi Haq, Assistant Director of Van Vihar. The Van Vihar management has appealed to the general public and tourists to participate in these programs in large numbers. The objective of these activities is to raise awareness about vulture conservation and to highlight their ecological importance to the public.
