Kids Pledge to Protect Birds at Ranganathittu

A nature education programme at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, called Pakshi Mitra, is actively building environmental awareness among schoolchildren. This initiative, conceived by the forest minister, encourages students to understand and protect birds and their habitats through interactive learning and direct nature exposure.

Government school students from grades 5 to 10 are transported to the sanctuary for a day-long educational experience. Forest officials and conservation experts guide them in bird-watching and discuss the ecological significance of wetlands. Since its launch, the program has engaged over 1,200 students, who also take an oath to safeguard avian life.

Officials report a significant improvement in students' understanding of birds and conservation by the program's end. The department believes that early exposure to conservation principles will nurture a generation more attuned to environmental challenges, turning these young attendees into community ambassadors for bird protection.