NOIDA: Gautam Budh Nagar's forest officer, Sujoy Banerjee, has initiated nature walks in the city to promote environmental awareness among the city's school kids.

In the first of such events on Saturday, Banerjee led a walk at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, where students from at least 20 city schools participated. "Noida has a great scope for children to be close to nature. The Okhla Bird Sanctuary itself, with its variety of bird species and habitat, is a venue for hundreds of migratory and residential birds. City schools are encouraged to bring children to experience nature first-hand here," Banerjee said.

"As parents and teachers, it is our duty to make children aware of the interdependence of humans and animals. It is significant because they should grow up with an understanding of the importance of conservation of nature," he said.

Both residential and visiting birds were shown and explained to the students during the walk.

"This is the best time for them to go and explore the parks, sanctuaries and other natural habitats, as this is migratory season and there is a lot to see. I wish to help the children of Noida get acquainted with the city's nature," he said. "I want to guide them through nature walks, talks and other activities,"