TGFDC’s Botanical Garden Hosts Special Bird Walk and Smartphone Photography Workshop

Hyderabad: As part of the ongoing Praja Palana – Pragathi Pranalika celebrations (01–12 June 2026), Telangana Forest Development Corporation (TGFDC), under its eco-tourism initiative Deccan Woods & Trails, successfully organized a Special Bird Walk at the Botanical Garden, Hyderabad, on 06 June 2026. The event attracted an enthusiastic gathering of 60 participants, who were divided into three groups and guided by teams of experienced naturalists.

The walk commenced with opening remarks K. Suman, Projects Manager, Eco-Tourism, and was led by Dr. I. Veera Kishore, Vamshi Praveen, Dinesh Kumar, Rohith, Samson Raju and Siddiq. Participants were introduced to the rich biodiversity of the Botanical Garden, including its tree species, bird habitats and ecological significance.

During the guided birding session, participants recorded an impressive range of bird and wildlife sightings, including Ashy Prinia, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Black-winged Stilt, White-browed Wagtail, Indian Grey Hornbill, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Shikra, Grey Francolin, Rosy Starling, Red-wattled Lapwing, Grey Heron, Pond Heron, Spot-billed Duck, Little Cormorant, Spotted Dove and Red-vented Bulbul, along with a Rat Snake. Naturalists provided detailed insights into bird behaviour, feeding patterns, habitat preferences and conservation importance, making the walk both educational and engaging for nature enthusiasts, students and first-time bird watchers.

Following the bird walk, a Beginners’ Smartphone Photography Workshop was conducted from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the Botanical Garden as part of the World Environment Day celebrations. The workshop witnessed the participation of 30 attendees and focused on introducing the fundamentals of smartphone photography, including the effective use of natural light, composition techniques, camera settings and practical methods for capturing compelling images.

The highly interactive and hands-on programme was facilitated by Aquin Mathews, award-winning photographer, curator and Founder & Artistic Director of the Indian Photo Festival (IPF). Through engaging demonstrations and field exercises, participants learned how photography can serve as a powerful medium for environmental awareness, storytelling and nature appreciation.

The programme was conducted under the guidance of Ms. Sunita M. Bhagwat, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Telangana Forest Development Corporation Limited, reflecting TGFDC’s continued commitment to environmental education, biodiversity conservation and public engagement. Participants actively explored the Botanical Garden while applying newly acquired photography skills and documenting its natural beauty.

The event was attended by Smt. K. Sireesha, Senior Divisional Manager & Assistant Director, Eco-Tourism, V. Lakshma Reddy, Plantation Manager, S. Srinivas Rao, FRO, Srinivasu Reddy, Dy. RO, K. Suman, Projects Manager, Eco-Tourism, Dr. I. Veera Kishore, Botanist, Naturalists Samson Raju, Dinesh Kumar, Vamshi Praveen, Rohith, Siddiq and other staff members. Both programmes received an overwhelming response from participants and successfully reinforced the importance of biodiversity conservation, environmental stewardship and sustainable interaction with nature.