Date: 05th January, 2025
Location: Hiranki Village, Yamuna Floodplain
Walk expert: Prof. Akash Gulalia
No. of participants: 8
Theme: Threat to Yamuna and the bird diversity
Summary of the walk:
Prof. Akash Gulalia led this wonderful walk on Sunday, 05th January
Prof. Akash Gulalia is a serving scholar in social sciences. He served the University of Delhi, BPSW University, and Bahir Dar University Ethiopia. He has contributed six books and several articles in academic journals. He is a nature enthusiast contributing to climate change activism with several institutions like BNHS and WWF etc as a volunteer and leader in the sphere of Lepidoptera and orthology by spreading awareness by organising nature walks, talks, and conferences among the masses. He is an active member of Delhi Bird Club and Indian bird lovers. He has undergone basic and advanced courses in butterflies and birds. Since his childhood has recorded 1000 birds in Asia and Africa, and he has been a member of the club since its inception. He is a trained mountaineer. He participated in successful expeditions to Mt Kedar Dome (6831m) Kalanag (6387m) Gangotri II & III (6577m) Shitidhar(5294m) and led several trekking teams to Roopkund, Har ki Dun, Pindari, Deo tibba base, Hampta pass and Ladakh region.
The participants arrived by 01:45 am at the meeting point which was Jeevan Jyoti ashram which was situated close to Hiranki village. The participants gathered at the meeting point and traveled together to reach the starting point of the walk, Hiranki village. Hiranki village is a hidden gem situated at the banks of the Yamuna River in North-West Delhi. With Yamuna being the lifeline of hiranki, this scenic village’s life is dependent on Yamuna.
The walk was scheduled for the afternoon due to the foggy weather conditions and low visibility in the early morning. The walk began at 02:00 pm with a discussion on the river Yamuna. Prof. Gulalia carefully highlighted the factors responsible for degrading the health of Yamuna. He stated that encroachment by the government is the biggest reason behind the poor condition of the river. The river has rarely any water left within Delhi. 3 barrages & 26 bridges cut across the 22 km stretch of Yamuna between Wazirabad & Okhla.
The participants walked across the fields of marigold and wheat to reach the village. From there, a short path led the participants to the bank of Yamuna. People witnessed the flourishing bird and floral diversity that is sustaining due to the remaining water of Yamuna. A thoughtful discussion happened on the methods of conservation of Yamuna along with bird watching.
Photos clicked, breakfast distributed and all left with a big smile on their faces as we ended the walk.
We thank Prof. Gulalia Sir for his valuable guidance and a super fun and informative session for all the participants. Participants were amazed by the amazing biodiversity Yamuna holds. It was a walk full of adventure, thrill, and wonderful learning.
List of species spotted during the walk:
We observed species of trees & birds during the walk. Some notable species during the walk were:-
Birds:- Black-winged stilt, Kentish plover, Little ringed plover, Bar-headed geese, Red Naped Ibis, White-throated kingfisher, Ruddy shelduck, Ruff, Pied avocet
Flora: Sarkands, Farash, Herundo grass, Marigold, Wheat, Karanj