Workshop on vulture conservation: Experts gave suggestions

Raipur. Raipur. A one-day workshop on vulture conservation was organized. Researchers, students, and senior officials of the Forest Department gathered in this program organized by the Chhattisgarh Forest Department at Aranya Bhawan in Nava Raipur, where various aspects of vulture conservation were discussed in depth. In the workshop, experts from reputed organizations like Bombay Natural History Society and Bird Count India discussed the current status of vultures, the reasons for the decline in their numbers and measures to create a positive environment for them. Researchers and students discussed the importance of vulture conservation and the challenges related to it. The program not only encouraged vulture conservation efforts, but also inspired all the participants to play an active role in this direction. Researchers presented data related to the counting of vultures in Chhattisgarh. The efforts of Indravati Tiger Reserve and Achanakmar Tiger Reserve were especially appreciated. Where initiatives like Vulture Restaurant and Vulture Safe Zone are being taken for vulture conservation. The Forest Department will coordinate with the Veterinary Department and the Drug Control Department. The chief guest of the program, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prem Kumar said that for vulture conservation, Chhattisgarh Forest Department will try to connect the emotions of citizens with vultures, so that they become sensitive towards their conservation. Efforts will be made to re-settle the White Rumped Vulture in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Similarly, the Forest Department will coordinate with the Veterinary Department and the Drug Control Department to ban lethal medicines used during the treatment of pets. Similarly, awareness programs will be organized in schools and colleges to sensitize students towards nature and vulture conservation. The Forest Department will coordinate with NGOs, researchers and other related organizations to strengthen conservation efforts. A monitoring system will be developed and geotagged to understand the habitat and activities of vultures. Senior officials of the Forest Department, including retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests R.K. Singh, Assistant Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Planning and Development Arun Kumar, CCF Wildlife and Field Director, Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Satovisha Samjhaar, Director, Jungle Safari Raipur Dhammasheel Ganvir, Deputy Director, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve U. R. Ganesh, Deputy Director, Indravati Tiger Reserve Sandeep Balga and DFO, Kawardha Shashi Kumar were present. In the panel discussion, researchers Dr. Vibhu Prakash, Wildlife Institute of India Dr. Suresh Kumar, Christopher Bowden, Dr. Kazveen Umrigar Shekhar Kolipaka and Dilsher Khan shared their experiences and gave important suggestions for vulture conservation.