UT to launch first citywide wildlife survey across forest & green areas | Chandigarh News – The Times of India

Chandigarh is set to map its urban biodiversity like never before. From November 20 to 28, the Union Territory’s forest department, working with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, will run a citywide wildlife survey spanning every forest block and a wide network of green spaces. It marks a decisive expansion beyond earlier, site-specific counts and is designed to establish a comprehensive ecological baseline for the capital’s natural assets.

From one sanctuary to a citywide canvas

Previous wildlife enumerations focused primarily on the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, with major exercises conducted in 2010, 2021, and 2023. This year, the effort scales up to cover all three forest blocks, the city’s bird sanctuary, butterfly park, peacock park, biodiversity hotspots across the urban matrix, and other green precincts. The scope reflects a growing recognition that meaningful conservation in cities must look beyond protected areas to include lakes, urban woodlots, and corridor-like green belts that sustain species movement and ecological functions.

Science-first methods and modern monitoring

The survey will be guided by WII’s scientific protocols and implemented alongside the forest department’s field teams. Standardized, repeatable methods will be used to record observations across multiple taxonomic groups—mammals, birds, and reptiles—while simultaneously documenting habitat conditions. Expect structured transects and point counts, systematic recording, and the deployment of equipment such as field cameras to improve detectability and data quality.

An added feature is the integration of the Asian Waterbird Count at Sukhna Lake during the survey window. Incorporating this well-established waterbird assessment will provide a sharper picture of migratory and resident waterfowl, while tying lake ecology to the broader citywide biodiversity profile.

Officials anticipate the most reliable dataset generated to date, citing the use of up-to-date tools and a tightly managed field protocol under expert supervision. The outcome will be a more complete catalogue of species presence and distribution, supported by better habitat measurements and verifiable records.

Citizen science at the core

Beyond expert-led surveys, the department is banking on people power. NGOs, institutions, and independent volunteers are being brought into the effort through an inclusive, citizen-science framework. Orientation sessions will introduce participants to survey techniques, identification basics, and data recording protocols to ensure consistency across teams. The department has already reached out to civil society organizations and educational campuses, and a public notice invites individuals to register for volunteer roles.

The aim is twofold: to scale up ecological monitoring at the landscape level and to make conservation a shared urban responsibility. By training community members and pairing them with experienced field staff, the survey hopes to build a durable volunteer base that can assist with seasonal counts, bio-blitzes, and long-term monitoring beyond this one-week campaign.

Why this baseline matters

• Urban planning and green infrastructure: Citywide species data can guide where to strengthen tree cover, connect habitat patches, and design wildlife-friendly spaces.
• Corridor and edge management: Mapping movement and occupancy helps protect the linkages that animals rely on between forests, parks, and water bodies.
• Conservation targeting: Knowing which mammals, birds, and reptiles use which habitats enables smarter protection for threatened or keystone species.
• Waterbody health: Integrating the waterbird count ties avian trends to lake and wetland condition, informing restoration and management priorities.
• Climate resilience: Diverse, connected habitats buffer cities against heat, flooding, and other climate stresses while supporting pollinators and other ecosystem services.

How residents can get involved

The department has issued participation calls to NGOs and educational institutions and has invited interested residents to volunteer. Those who sign up will be briefed by experts before heading into the field and will work under structured protocols to ensure the data meets scientific standards. Participation is open to beginners and experienced naturalists alike, reflecting the survey’s emphasis on accessibility and rigorous training.

With the UT’s first citywide wildlife assessment days away, Chandigarh is poised to set a new benchmark for urban biodiversity monitoring—one that blends professional science with community energy to safeguard the region’s ecological heritage.