Haridwar, Dec. 9 -- A bird festival will be organised in Saneh, Kotdwar soon to promote the conservation of local and migratory birds and boost avian tourism, Pauri Garhwal district officials said on Monday. District magistrate Swati S Bhadauriya said the event will attract bird ewnthusiasts, ornithologists and nature lovers from across the country while giving a push to winter tourism in the region. "The forest and tourism departments have been directed to organise the two-day bird festival on a large scale. The festival will focus on the promotion and conservation of local and migratory bird species along with the protection of biodiversity. Activities such as bird-watchers' meets, an avian photography exhibition, bird identification workshops, art competitions for schoolchildren and a heritage walk will be held to raise awareness among the younger generation about birds and nature conservation," Bhadauriya said. Saneh is already a popular winter destination for birdwatchers due to its favourable habitat. Environmentalists noted that around 400 bird species are found in Kotdwar and the adjoining Lansdowne forest division in Pauri Garhwal, offering immense potential for large-scale bird tourism....