Haryana : Forest and Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh emphasized the importance of animals and birds in human life, highlighting their connection with cultural and religious traditions. Speaking at a programme in Panchkula on World Wetlands Day, he released the poster for the first Haryana Bird Festival 2026, which will run from February 2 to 21, and inaugurated the event by unveiling its activity calendar.
The Minister appreciated the festival’s theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge – A Celebration of Nature and Culture,” noting that Haryana’s major wetlands, Sultanpur (Gurugram) and Bhindawas (Jhajjar), attract thousands of migratory birds every year. He added that some species had nearly disappeared during COVID-19, but government efforts now aim to enhance wetland facilities to increase bird visits.
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lakes over 200–300 acres in waterlogged areas of Basai: Rao Narbir Singh
Rao Narbir Singh also discussed developing lakes over 200–300 acres in waterlogged areas of Basai, Chandu, and nearby villages to promote tourism while addressing polythene and plastic waste. He urged citizens to support the ban on single-use plastic and polythene, highlighting that nearly 40% of pollution comes from these materials and stressing the environmental hazards of burning or burying them.
Rao Narbir Singh further noted that Haryana Wetland Authority and Pond Authority have been set up but require active community participation to clean and conserve water bodies like ponds and johads.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Vivek Saxena emphasized the significance of World Wetlands Day, which started in 1975, and the need to balance development with environmental conservation.