Pampore: The inaugural J&K Bird Festival 2023, a groundbreaking collaboration between the Department of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, Kashmir, Sanctuary Nature Foundation, and Wildlife Conservation Fund, took flight at the scenic Chatlam Wetland Reserve in Pampore, south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, on Wednesday.
The event was graced by the distinguished presence of the Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, accompanied by his spouse Dr. Vijay Lakshmi, along with other eminent dignitaries, including M.K Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice, and Abdul Bari Joint Registrar (Protocols). Special guests included Syed Farooq Gillani, Retd. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, and officials from J&K Police, led by SSP Awantipora Ajaz Ahmad Zargar.
Dr. Deeba Khalid Peer, Dy. Director (Publicity), and Dr. Mantash Binti Rashid, Dy. Director Tourism, represented the Department of Tourism.
Chief Justice Justice N. Kotiswar Singh inaugurated the festival, which drew a substantial crowd of nature enthusiasts, bird lovers, and students. During the event, Adv Nadeem Qadri, provided valuable information about the thousands of bird species present in Chatlam Wetland.
The festival engaged students from various educational institutions in live painting competitions, nature walks, and interactions with young ornithologists and bird experts. Attendees were treated to authentic Pampore flavors, including Saffron Kehwa and Pampore Shirmal, enhancing the overall experience.
The festivities concluded on a high note with the distribution of certificates to painting competition participants, marking the success of a professionally coordinated and impactful event. The J&K Bird Festival 2023 sets a precedent for celebrating and conserving the rich avian diversity of the region.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Adv Nadeem Qadri expressed gratitude to the Department of Tourism for selecting Chatlam Wetland for the festival. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the region’s biodiversity and promoting sustainable tourism.
Dr. Deeba Khalid, Deputy Director JK Tourism, highlighted the significance of birding in global tourism and stressed the importance of eco-tourism and sustainability. She noted that Kashmir, with its rich biodiversity, is a unique destination for birdwatching, and the festival serves to create awareness among various stakeholders, including students, local communities, and the hospitality sector. The event marks a concerted effort to conserve and promote birding in the region’s wetlands.
In the spirit of sustainable tourism, Adv Nadeem Qadri stated that the festival aims to put Pampore on the map beyond Saffron recognition, shedding light on its wetlands and migratory birds.

BILAL HABIB