Gautam Buddh Nagar | February 2, 2026
On the occasion of World Wetlands Day, a grand and inspiring Bird Festival 2026 was organised at Surajpur Wetland, Greater Noida, with the objective of promoting biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection and eco-tourism. The event was held under the chairmanship of K. P. Malik, Minister of State, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and witnessed enthusiastic public participation.
The programme was attended by District President Gautam Buddh Nagar Abhishek Sharma, Member of the Central Environment Committee and former Supreme Court judge Chandra Prakash Goyal, Chief Conservator of Forests, Western Zone, Uttar Pradesh, Meerut Dr. K. Ilango, Conservator of Forests Meerut Adarsh Kumar, District Magistrate Gautam Buddh Nagar Medha Roopam, Divisional Forest Officer Gautam Buddh Nagar Rajnikant Mittal, Divisional Director Ghaziabad Isha Tiwari, retired Divisional Forest Officer Pramod Kumar, Divisional Director Bulandshahr Harendra Singh, Architect Sanjeev Sharma, along with wildlife and bird enthusiasts, representatives of voluntary organisations, eminent citizens and a large number of school students.
As part of the programme, the Minister of State first visited the Surajpur Wetland. During the visit, Divisional Forest Officer Rajnikant Mittal briefed him on the bird watching tours, guided nature walks and nature trails organised at the site. He also provided detailed information about migratory and resident birds, flora, insects and other fauna, highlighting their ecological significance and role in maintaining environmental balance.
Following the field visit, the photo gallery set up on the occasion of Bird Festival 2026 was inaugurated, and exhibitions related to environment, biodiversity and bird conservation were showcased. A collective plantation drive was also organised to reinforce the message of environmental protection. The programme began with a welcome song presented by school students, carrying a strong message of nature, environment and bird conservation. On this occasion, the Divisional Forest Officer felicitated the chief guest and distinguished guests by presenting mementos.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of State K. P. Malik stated that World Wetlands Day is observed every year on February 2 to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving and sustainably managing wetlands. He said it is a matter of pride that the region is home to a rich natural heritage like Surajpur Wetland, which attracts migratory birds travelling thousands of kilometres in search of a suitable habitat. He expressed concern that rapid physical and technological development has caused significant damage to nature, pushing several bird species towards extinction. He called upon everyone to make collective efforts to protect nature and wildlife.
District Magistrate Medha Roopam described Surajpur Wetland as an invaluable natural asset not only for the district but for the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. She said the wetland is a living example of biodiversity, and its protection is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders. She emphasised that such events serve as a powerful medium to connect children, youth and the general public with nature, and that sustainable development can only be achieved through active public participation.
Divisional Forest Officer Rajnikant Mittal informed that under Bird Festival 2026, guided bird watching tours, nature walks and nature trails were organised under the supervision of expert naturalists. These activities helped participants understand the ecological importance of migratory and resident birds, plants, insects and other wildlife species. He further stated that Surajpur Wetland, spread over approximately 0.60 square kilometres, is an internationally significant Ramsar site and serves as an important habitat for numerous resident and migratory bird species.
The event was open to all age groups and free of cost, offering an enriching and memorable experience for nature lovers. The programme concluded with expressions of gratitude to the chief guest, distinguished guests and all participants for their valuable presence and support.
