- Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said that this is an important initiative for the conservation of birds.
- ‘Bird Survey 2026’ successfully completed in Barnawapara
The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is conducting a scientific assessment of Chhattisgarh’s bird diversity, promoting citizen scientist participation, and generating conservation-oriented long-term data. The ecology of the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is considered particularly conducive for this study. It boasts a diverse landscape of dense forests, extensive grasslands, marshes, and mixed woodlands, which support a large number of both migratory and local bird species.
The “Bird Survey 2026” was successfully concluded at the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary from January 16 to 18, 2026. Participants from 11 states across the country – Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Karnataka – actively participated in the survey.
The survey wasn’t limited to the sanctuary, but also covered the surrounding Kothari, Sonakhan, and Devpur areas. To ensure smooth survey operations, participants were accommodated at 27 different locations. Approximately 100 people, including 70 participants, 12 volunteers, experts, and photographers, were part of the expedition.
The survey was conducted using a scientific method and the data will be included in the global database.
This event was conducted in collaboration with “Birds & Wildlife of Chhattisgarh” and with technical support from eBird. This will allow the bird data collected during the survey to be recorded in an international database. The survey was conducted scientifically under the guidance of leading experts Dr. Hakimuddin F. Saifi, Dr. Jageshwar Verma, Mr. Mohit Sahu, and Mr. Sonu Arora.
- Over 200 species recorded, rare birds increase the importance of the survey
According to preliminary data received so far, the survey has recorded 202 bird species. This number is expected to increase further after final compilation. Observations of notable species, particularly the Bar-headed Goose, Grey-headed Lapwing, Peregrine Falcon, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, and Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, were a highlight for participants.
It is worth noting that this event was conducted safely and systematically by an active team of concerned range officers, trainee ACF, forest rangers and forest department employees under the leadership of Superintendent Barnawapara Sanctuary, Shri Krishanu Chandrakar.
- Data will generate conservation-focused action plans
Balodabazar Divisional Forest Officer, Mr. Dhammasheel Ganvir, stated that Barnawapara represents the rich biodiversity of Central Chhattisgarh. The data obtained from this survey will be extremely useful for future sanctuary management and bird conservation plans.
- Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap praised the initiative.
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap described the “Bird Survey 2026” as an important step towards biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, and eco-tourism development in the state. He said that scientific surveys in important sanctuaries like Barnawapara not only strengthen conservation efforts but also create new nature-based employment and tourism opportunities for local people by promoting birding culture in the state.