Team of Wetlands International South Asia reaches Jamshedpur to coordinate Waterbird Census 2025

Jamshedpur: The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), a flagship citizen science programme launched in 1987 to monitor waterbird populations and their habitats, is set to commence its 2025 edition across India from January 4 to January 19. This year’s census will include an extensive survey of significant wetlands within a 100-kilometre radius of the Jamshedpur Tata Motors Plant. The initiative, a collaborative effort involving Tata Motors Ltd., Wetlands International South Asia, and Srushti Conservation Foundation, seeks to conserve ecologically vital wetlands along the Central Asian Flyway while fostering partnerships and enhancing capacities for their wise use and conservation.

A preparatory meeting was held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Tata Steel Zoological Park, bringing together local bird experts and officials from Wetlands International South Asia to strategise the census implementation in Jharkhand. Special emphasis was placed on wetlands in proximity to the Jamshedpur Tata Motors Plant. The discussions were initiated by Shri Arghya Chakrabarty, Technical Officer at Wetlands International South Asia, who presented a detailed mapping of wetlands prioritised for survey based on their importance as critical habitats for migratory waterbirds.

The meeting saw enthusiastic participation from 15 birders, including both professionals and amateur bird enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Notable participants included Dr Vijaya Bharat, a cardiologist, Dr Mithilesh Dutta Dwivedi, a retired professional, Prosenjit Sarkar, Ramesh Kumar Mahato (a snake expert and conservationist), and Dr Shams Parvez Khan, a dentist. The gathering was further enriched by the presence of eminent birder Pannalal Mahato, who shared his invaluable experience and inspired the team.

To kick off the census and provide on-ground support, Dr Asghar Nawab will lead a field session at a nearby wetland on Friday, January 10. This session will include hands-on training for all participants, focusing on data collection, compilation, and reporting formats as per the AWC protocols.

This concerted effort highlights the critical role of citizen science in wetland conservation and aims to ensure the wise use of these ecosystems while bolstering community engagement in safeguarding the region’s rich biodiversity. Dr Naim Akhtar, Dy. Director welcome all the guest and participants and wished them to have good meeting and wonderful waterbird census 2025.