The five-day Wular Bird Festival concluded today at Wular Lake, drawing students and nature enthusiasts to promote wetland conservation.
February 13, Srinagar: The five-day Wular Bird Festival 2026, organized by the Wular Conservation and Management Authority, concluded today at the scenic Wular Lake.
The festival, which began on February 9, culminated at Wular Vantage Park in Garoora, Bandipora, with participation from students, bird enthusiasts, environmentalists, and local residents.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the ecological importance of Wular Lake, one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes, and to encourage community involvement in conservation efforts. Over five days, the festival featured educational, recreational, and awareness activities centered on bird conservation, wetland protection, and environmental sustainability.
On the final day, bird-watching sessions and painting competitions were organized for children from various schools in the Bandipora district. Students participated in large numbers, depicting the lake's biodiversity through art.
The bird-watching session drew nature enthusiasts and experts, who guided participants on migratory and resident bird species found in and around the lake.
Speaking to DD News, WUCMA Project Coordinator Owais Farooq Mir said such festivals are important for promoting environmental awareness among the younger generation. He said Wular Lake is an ecological asset and a source of livelihood for thousands of people.
He said the festival sought to sensitize students and the local community to the need to protect wetlands and preserve habitats for migratory birds that visit the lake annually.
Mir added that the festival provides a platform to connect people with nature and promote collective responsibility for conservation through school participation and community outreach.
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions and certificates to participating schools, along with a pledge by stakeholders and participants to support the protection and preservation of Wular Lake and its biodiversity.