Haripura (Uttarakhand), Feb 4(ANI): The Uttarakhand Government has initiated a mass awareness programme about conservation of migratory birds that flock to Haripura wetland in the State among people, including children.

A large variety of migratory birds, over 149 species, make the Haripura wetland, located near the Haripura dam, as their winter home to breed and nest.

This year on the occasion of the annual World Wetland Day marked on February 2, the administrative authorities organized a special field trip of school children to the Haripura wetland.

The children had a glimpse of various migratory birds like Bar-headed Geese, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Ruddy Shelduck, Red Crested Pochard, Siberian crane and the Black Stork.

As an initiative to save the birds, the children were taught about the importance of the wetland and steps being taken towards preservation of the migratory birds.

"When we talk about climate change, these wetlands have become a major indicator to map the visible change in climate. This area has been developed as a conservation base for the migratory birds that come here during winters," said Parang Madhukar, Divisional Forest Officer of Terai Central Forest Range.

"As an initiative to save the birds, we have organized a bird watching and conservation program this year," he added.

Meanwhile, Navin Joshi, a wildlife expert, said that the State Government should join hands with the forest authorities in order to preserve the migratory birds.The government body or the local governing body should co-operate with the forest department to spread awareness on wildlife conservation especially to the young generation," said Joshi.

Haripura wetland is spread over 1100 acres and the authorities are working towards developing this place as an eco-tourism site. (ANI)