Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 8: The city is all set to turn into a hub for bird lovers as the city hosts the 12th edition of Hakki Habba (Bird Festival) from January 9 to 11. The festival is being organised by the Karnataka Eco Tourism Development Board in association with the forest department.
Addressing a press conference at the Mangaluru Press Club on Wednesday, board chairperson Shalet Pinto said that the festival aims to create awareness among the youth about the rich diversity of bird species, many of which are facing the threat of extinction. She recalled that Hakki Habba was earlier held in Mangaluru in 2018 when Ramanath Rai was the Forest Minister.
The inauguration of Hakki Habba 2026 will be held at the Scouts and Guides Bhavan at Pilikula. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly U T Khader, forest minister Eshwar Khandre, district In-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, along with other dignitaries, are expected to participate. Shalet Pinto announced that this year’s festival logo will feature the white-bellied Sea Eagle, a bird species commonly found along the district’s coastline.
Deputy conservator of forests Antony S Mariappa said Hakki Habba has emerged as an important platform for bird enthusiasts and experts to exchange knowledge and information. He said 180 students from four colleges in the city will take part in the festival, and overall participation, including bird experts, is expected to be around 250. A total of 12 bird-watching trails across different ecosystems have been identified for the event.
Antony Mariappa said the festival will feature four bird-watching sessions every day. Participants will be divided into 10 teams, with each team covering all the identified trails. “After every session, there will be interactions with experts,” he said, adding that Dakshina Kannada district has recorded 420 bird species, including 40 migratory species.
Speaking on human-wildlife conflict, Shalet Pinto said the Board is conducting awareness programmes in schools on snakebite prevention, snake conservation and safety measures. “During my tenure, I want to revitalise the Eco Tourism Development Board. There is also a plan to bring trekking trails currently managed by the Forest Department back under the board’s purview,” she said. She added that of the 40 trekking trails in the state, six are located in Dakshina Kannada district.
Nature expert Rahul and Board staff member Lavanya were also present at the press conference.