Protection of endangered bird “Garuda” launched

Kathmandu: Gajuri Rural Municipality in Dhading district has embarked upon a campaign to protect one of the endangered species of birds known as “Garuda”. The bird’s English name is aquiline.

The rural municipality through the distribution of leaflets to the locals, school students, and erection of hoarding boards in the locality has stressed the dire need to protect this legendary bird-Garuda- mostly venerated in Hindu and Buddhist myths is a half bird and half man – the steed of Lord Vishnu.

According to the rural municipality, the legendary bird whose species are on the verge of extinction has been sighted at a local creek named “Belkhu Khola” and its surroundings for the past few years.

“The awareness campaign for protection and preservation of this bird has been initiated in coordination with locals and ornithologist Krishana Bhusal and Prashant Ghimire,” said rural municipality Chief Rajendra Bikram Basnet Wednesday.