Udaipur, April 5, 2025 - The Green People Society of Udaipur took a French delegation to Menar village to share the work done by the society and the villagers in preserving the lake areas which were the natural habitat of birds. The team visited the Brahma and Dhand lakes in the village and was warmly welcomed with traditional uparna on the banks of Brahma lake.

Exhibitions showcasing the activities of the committee in different sectors were set up along the embankment. Menar residents shared their views on conservation and maintenance efforts of the water bodies and also how their ancestors have preserved the Dhand lake over the years, safeguarding it from non-environmental activities.

Retired Conservator of Forests Suhel Majboor explained the different migratory and non-migratory bird species that frequent the lake. He mentioned that efforts are underway to have the lake recognised as a Ramsar site based on these bird species, and also shared information about the journey of this site becoming an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Dr Satish Sharma, retired Forest Department officer, spoke of the active participation of the local community in preserving the lake, making it an IBA, a Biodiversity area and, more recently, a Wetland. He explained the various environmental and social improvement activities of the society and highlighted the ban imposed on hunting, fishing, water extraction and other such activities in these water bodies.

Later, the French delegation was given a traditional welcome by students of a local school. A Moulsari plant was planted in the school premise by a couple in the delegation to mark their wedding anniversary.

Rahul Bhatnagar, president of Green People Society, shared the future plans of the group regarding conservation and environmental protection. Society member Dr SN Dave presented a film about the group’s work over the years followed by screening of the documentary film Wings of Hope and an interactive session.

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Vikram Singh Chauhan, vice-president of the Green People Society.

Also present at the event were IG Mathur, Ismail Ali Durga, Lalit Kothari, VS Rana, Arun Soni and the local Sarpanch of Menar.