For the first time in its history, Uttarakhand Forest Department is reshaping how it manages forests—not just for timber or carbon, but for birds. On March 19, 2025, Sanjeev Chaturvedi, Chief Conservator of Forests (Planning), announced a sweeping initiative to plant trees, shrubs, and vines that birds actually need to survive. The plan targets the hilly forests of Uttarakhand, a state teeming with over 700 bird species—nearly half of India’s total—and home to at least 30 endangered varieties. This isn’t just another conservation slogan. It’s a biological blueprint, grounded in field data from Mandal in the Garhwal Himalayas, where researchers found a single vine—Himalayan ivy—drawing 10 different bird species for food and nesting. The twist? They’re not guessing anymore. They’re planting based on evidence.
From Observation to Action
The Uttarakhand Forest Research Wing, based in Dehradun, spent months mapping which birds rely on which plants. The results were startling. Buransh (Rhododendron arboreum), with its bright red flowers, is a magnet for sunbirds and thrushes. Hisalu (Geranium spp.) offers nectar-rich blooms that sustain migratory warblers. Even lesser-known shrubs like Kilmoda and Ghagra turned out to be critical for ground-foraging species like the Kalij Pheasant. The department’s new 10-year action plan will now include mandatory planting targets for these species across 12 districts.
"Until now, bird conservation was an afterthought," Chaturvedi told reporters. "We planted trees for shade, for soil retention, for timber. We never asked: Which birds will live here? Now we’re asking that question first."
The Book That Started It All
While the science was brewing in Dehradun, a quieter revolution was unfolding in Mussoorie. On an unannounced Thursday in March 2025, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (retd), Governor of Uttarakhand, launched Birds in and around Mussoorie at the historic Savoy Hotel. The author, Sanjay Kumar, an IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh, wrote the book after years of morning walks during his training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). It details 150 species—from the elusive Himalayan Woodpecker to the raucous Rufous Treepie—that share the town’s forests with humans.
"Mussoorie isn’t just a hill station," Singh said at the event. "It’s a living aviary. And if we protect it right, Uttarakhand could become India’s first birdwatching capital."
Experts Weigh In: The Ecological Domino Effect
Ornithologist Ajay Sharma, who’s studied birds in the Himalayas for over 30 years, called the initiative "a game-changer." He explained that birds like barbets and hornbills don’t just eat fruit—they’re the forest’s seed distributors. "These birds swallow berries whole, fly kilometers, and drop the seeds in their droppings," Sharma said. "They’re responsible for spreading 50 to 70 different wild fruit trees across the canopy. Lose them, and entire forest regeneration cycles collapse."
Sharma urged officials to prioritize planting Silver Oak, Semal (Bombax ceiba), Indian Fig Tree (Ficus racemosa), and the Ashoka Tree (Saraca asoca)—all known for hollow trunks, dense canopies, and year-round fruit. "These aren’t decorative trees," he added. "They’re bird apartments and grocery stores rolled into one."
What the Numbers Reveal
The urgency isn’t theoretical. The Himalayan Bird Count 2025Himalayan region, held on May 10, 2025, recorded 450+ species through 940 checklists submitted by 354 birdwatchers from India, Nepal, and Bhutan. That’s nearly 60% of Uttarakhand’s known species documented in a single day. The data also showed sharp declines in raptors like the Lammergeier vulture and the Mountain Hawk-Eagle—species that rely on large, old-growth trees for nesting. Meanwhile, wetlands like Asan Barrage remain vital for migratory ducks and geese, but face encroachment pressure.
"We’re seeing a quiet crisis," said Dhananjai Mohan, Head of Forest Force, who participated in the Mussoorie panel. "People notice when tigers disappear. But when a bird vanishes from a forest, no one notices—until the fruit trees stop regenerating."
What Comes Next?
The Forest Department plans to establish 15 Bird Conservation Zones by 2027, each with dedicated monitoring teams. Regular surveys will track nesting success, food availability, and species diversity. Local communities will be trained as "Bird Guardians," paid to report sightings and protect key trees. A mobile app is in development to let citizens upload photos and locations—turning tourists and residents into citizen scientists.
"This isn’t about saving birds," said anthropologist Lokesh Ohri during the Mussoorie discussion. "It’s about saving the forests they keep alive."
Why This Matters Beyond Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand’s model could become a blueprint for other Himalayan states—and even countries like Nepal and Bhutan, where biodiversity and human livelihoods are deeply intertwined. Most conservation efforts still treat birds as indicators, not drivers. Here, they’re the reason the plan exists. If it works, it means forests won’t just grow back—they’ll thrive with life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will this initiative help endangered bird species?
The plan targets 12 key tree and vine species known to support endangered birds like the Cheer Pheasant and Kalij Pheasant, which rely on specific berries and nesting hollows. By planting these in degraded areas, the department aims to restore critical habitat corridors. Early trials in Mandal showed a 40% increase in nesting activity within two years after planting Himalayan ivy and Buransh.
Why focus on trees instead of protecting existing forests?
Many forests in Uttarakhand have been logged or fragmented, leaving behind monocultures of commercially valuable trees like pine and deodar that offer little food or shelter for birds. This initiative doesn’t replace protection—it complements it by restoring biodiversity in degraded zones. The goal is to create a mosaic of habitats, not just preserve what’s left.
What role do local communities play in this plan?
Villagers will be trained as "Bird Guardians," receiving stipends to monitor nesting sites, report illegal logging, and plant native species on community land. The Forest Department is partnering with 47 village panchayats near conservation zones, and early feedback shows strong support—especially among women, who’ve traditionally collected wild fruits and berries.
How does this affect birdwatching tourism in Uttarakhand?
The state aims to become India’s top birding destination, with designated trails, interpretive signage, and certified guides. The launch of Sanjay Kumar’s book and Governor Singh’s endorsement have already sparked interest. If bird populations rebound, tourism revenue could rise by 25–30% over five years, according to a preliminary study by the Uttarakhand Tourism Department.
What’s the biggest challenge to making this work?
The biggest hurdle isn’t funding—it’s time. Many bird-friendly trees, like Ashoka and Semal, take 7–10 years to mature. That means results won’t be visible until after the current leadership’s term. Sustaining political will and public attention over a decade will be critical. The department is already drafting legislation to lock in these priorities beyond elections.
Are other Indian states considering similar plans?
Yes. The Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun is already sharing Uttarakhand’s data with Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Kerala’s forest department has expressed interest in adapting the model for its Western Ghats forests. But Uttarakhand is the first to embed bird-specific planting into its official 10-year action plan—making it a national pioneer.