Khambrenga Beel hosts birdwatching & conservation adda, records 46 species on World Wetlands Day

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 2, 2025

In a resounding celebration of World Wetlands Day, conservation organization Aaranyak, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and local stakeholders, hosted a Birdwatching and Conservation Adda at Khambrenga Beel, a vital wetland near Chandrapur, Kamrup Metropolitan District.

The event witnessed the recording of 46 bird species in a single day, reinforcing the ecological significance of Khambrenga Beel as a thriving habitat for diverse avian life.

Bringing together birding experts, students, conservationists, and local communities, the event was part of Aaranyak’s WeForNature programme, supported by Zeiss India. Participants enjoyed an immersive morning birdwatching session, led by Udayan Borthakur, senior scientist at Aaranyak, alongside noted birdwatchers Atanu Kumar Chowdhury, Arif Hussain, Partha Pratim Das, Chinmoy Swargiary, Mousumi Parbin, and Samiran Goswami. Among the species recorded were Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Ferruginous Duck, and Lesser Whistling-Duck, highlighting the wetland’s rich biodiversity.

Following the birding experience, an awareness discussion was held at Khambrenga Eco Camp, where experts and officials emphasized the critical role of wetlands in climate regulation, sustaining biodiversity, and supporting local livelihoods. Dr. Partha Jyoti Das, senior scientist at Aaranyak, delivered a keynote speech, urging immediate conservation action to protect wetlands like Khambrenga Beel from degradation.

The discussion saw the participation of Divisional Forest Officer A.K. Dev Choudhury, Range Officer Dr. Pranjal Gogoi, conservationist Atanu Kumar Choudhury, and teacher Mukul Chandra Goswami, along with village leaders and senior community members. The session explored ecotourism opportunities, historical insights, and conservation challenges, fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards wetland preservation.

By engaging young minds, experts, and local communities, the event successfully spotlighted the importance of wetlands as biodiversity hotspots and ecological lifelines.The initiative not only celebrated the avian richness of Khambrenga Beel but also strengthened the call for sustainable conservation efforts to safeguard Assam’s invaluable wetland ecosystems.