Bird watching tour in Bhopal, Gwalior spots 50 species

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Atavi Bird Foundation, organized a bird watching tour on September 14 at Bisenkhedi in Bhopal and Maharajpura in Gwalior. The event drew more than 45 bird enthusiasts who observed close to 50 bird species across the two sites.Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trust and Dharma State Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said Madhya Pradesh is widely recognized for its bird diversity and natural heritage. He noted that events like bird watching not only attract nature lovers but also help promote sustainable tourism, generate employment for local communities, and raise awareness about environmental conservation. “Our aim is to establish bird tourism as a distinctive identity for Madhya Pradesh,” he said.Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism and Managing Director of the Tourism Board, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, highlighted that Madhya Pradesh offers bird enthusiasts unique experiences in every season. “Events like bird watching attract tourists while also creating livelihood opportunities and strengthening the state’s identity as a hub for eco-tourism,” he added.

In Bhopal’s Bisenkhedi, bird guide Ankit Malviya led participants in spotting species such as the Wire-tailed Swallow, Pied Bushchat, Spotted Dove, Gray-headed Swamphen, Gray Francolin, Rock Pigeon, and Indian Paradise Flycatcher near the large pond. In Gwalior’s Maharajpura, bird guide Vivek Verma introduced participants to over 50 bird species while explaining their behavior and ecological significance.To further promote bird tourism, the Tourism Board announced plans to hold monthly bird watching tours across the state. Upcoming events include bird walks in Chhindwara and Bhopal on September 21, followed by tours in Chidikho and Narsinghgarh on September 28. Bookings for these programs are now open for bird lovers keen to explore Madhya Pradesh’s rich avian diversity.

(Asstt.Editor)