A BEACON OF HOPE

WHAT ARE ALL OF YOU doing?” The voice startled me.

- SANJAY SONDHI

I turned to see a 70-year-old man sitting on his haunches, walking stick in hand, watching us with curiosity. We were at Chiana Khud Titli Park in Devalsari, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. A group of 20 visitors from across the country had gathered by a small stream, cameras and binoculars in hand, for the 4th Devalsari Titli Utsav in May 2023. Some were sprawled on the ground photographing butterflies, others focused on damselflies, and a few admired and clicked pictures of wildflowers.

I explained to the old man that we were tourists who had come to observe and document Devalsari’s biodiversity as part of an annual community-led nature festival. His eyes widened. “What is so special that so many people have come to visit our village and its surroundings?” he asked. When I told him visitors were here to see birds, butterflies, moths, frogs, reptiles, and wildflowers, his expression shifted from curiosity to sheer disbelief.

The Devalsari Paryavaran Sanrakshan Awam Tekniki Vikas Samiti, a local youth group, organises the festival. To ensure a high-quality biodiversity experience, the number of visitors is capped. Activities include bird and butterfly watching, moth watching, night walks to observe nocturnal species like frogs, lizards, and insects, as well as heritage and village walks. Trained local guides lead these experiences with an emphasis on ethical nature watching—no call playback, no special viewing shelters, and no baiting. Experts deliver talks on biodiversity-related topics, adding depth to the festival's programming.