Report on

Educational visit to

Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary Nawabganj, Unnao, Uttar Pradesh

Date of Event: 31-01- 2025

Organised by: Department of Science, (MSOSH), MUIT Lucknow Campus in association with MIRC

Objective:The academic exploratory visit to Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, Nawabganj, Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, on 31st January 2025, was organized to provide students with an immersive learning experience in bird migration patterns, biodiversity, ecological conservation, names of different plant species, and their ecological roles. The visit aimed to inspire students to appreciate avian biodiversity and environmental sustainability by observing different plant species, different ecosystems, and migratory birds in their natural habitat. This trip aimed to provide a firsthand experience of flora and fauna, as well as to understand the importance of plants to maintain biodiversity conservation efforts and to understand bird behavior more deeply, including migration, movement, nesting habits, and habitat preferences.

Participating Students:Students from B.Sc. (IV and VI Semesters) and M.Sc. (Zoology and Botany, II Semesters).

Event Details:At the sanctuary, Mr. Vivek, a Forest Ranger officer, provided an insightful session on bird migration, movement, nesting behavior, and the different types of migratory birds visiting the region. He led the group through a narrow, winding trail, explaining the significance of various plant species. The towering trees formed a natural canopy, filtering sunlight and creating a tranquil yet mysterious atmosphere. Another exciting part of the trip was visiting a nearby pond, where they observed aquatic life and understood the importance of clean water sources for both animals and humans.

In this visit, students explored the central lake (Aquatic Ecosystem). The central lake of the sanctuary is adorned with aquatic plants such as Nelumbo nucifera (Indian lotus), Trapa natans (water chestnut), and Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth). These species play a crucial role in providing food and shelter for numerous bird species.The sanctuary's forested regions are dominated by tree species like Acacia nilotica (Indian gum arabic tree) and Prosopis juliflora. These trees are particularly significant as they serve as nesting sites for the Asian openbill storks, a regular migratory bird in the area.The grasslands and peripheral areas of the sanctuary support a variety of plant species, contributing to the overall biodiversity. These areas are essential for maintaining ecological balance and providing habitats for various fauna.

This diverse flora not only enhances the sanctuary's natural beauty but also plays a pivotal role in sustaining the myriad of bird species that inhabit or visit Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary. Forests and vegetation help to regulate temperature, humidity, and rainfall and play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity conservation by supporting ecosystems, preserving genetic diversity, and sustaining wildlife. The loss of plant species can disrupt entire ecosystems and lead to biodiversity loss. So by maintaining plant diversity, ecosystems remain resilient, supporting various life forms and ensuring long-term environmental stability.

Students’ feedback:The students observed numerous migratory birds and learned about their ecological roles, feeding habits, adaptation strategies, and endangered plant species, including orchids, ferns, and medicinal herbs. They were fascinated by the intricate relationships within the ecosystem—how certain plants depended on specific pollinators and how the soil composition played a crucial role in plant health and growth. This instilled an appreciation for wildlife conservation and the need to protect natural habitats. The experience provided valuable learning insights and inspired students to explore careers in ecology, wildlife research, and environmental conservation.

Acknowledgements: The visit was a remarkable educational experience, organized by MIRC and coordinated by Dr. Sneha Verma and Dr. Madhu Prakash Srivastava. The successful organization of this visit was made possible through the support and guidance of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bhanu Pratap Singh, Respected Registrar Dr. Girish Chimmwal, Dean-Academics Dr. Neeraj Jain, Dean, School of Science and Humanities Dr. Rupam Singh, Deputy Dean Dr. Ramakant and, Mr. Kaustubh Misra from MIRC.