A book on Mussoorie’s avian diversity titled ‘Birds In & Around Mussoorie’ authored by Sanjay Kumar IAS was launched at Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie. The event was held on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand.
Addressing the audience, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh said, “I am pleased to be present here on the occasion of World Tourism Day and the launch of the magnificent book ‘Birds In & Around Mussoorie’. Birds are the beauty of the creator but to enjoy that beauty to the core, one needs to be passionate. Sanjay Ji has put his mind, body, and soul into his book. He has intermingled this book with tourism giving an important and powerful message that if somebody wants to witness and experience real beauty and magnificence, he or she should visit ‘Devbhoomi’ Uttarakhand.”
Sanjay Kumar, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from the 2002 batch, authored the book. It is a thorough exploration of the rich avian diversity discovered in and around the scenic town of Mussoorie. The book will serve as both an educational resource and a handbook for visitors, birdwatchers, and conservationists curious about the place’s natural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Kumar said, “The book is all about the birds in and around the between hill town of Mussoorie, which makes this place much more magnificent. I thank the Honourable Governor of Uttarakhand Shri Gurmeet Ji and all the supporting individuals and organizations who have been a big support for me during this writing journey. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Ruskin Bond, who has been an inspiration for me in writing the book. Unfortunately, he couldn’t attend the event today, but he sends his best wishes.”
Sanjay Kumar has made noteworthy contributions to environmental preservation. With more than 10 years of experience as District Magistrate in 10 districts of Uttar Pradesh, he pioneered wetland conservation in Sitapur, led Ramganga river restoration with WWF-India, and established a turtle conservation center in Bareilly. His endeavors also include setting up the Chand-Khamaria Blackbuck Conservation Reserve in Prayagraj and upgrading Haiderpur Wetland to Ramsar site status. He is also a passionate wildlife photographer and has authored seven books, including Threatened Birds of Uttar Pradesh and Birds of Lucknow.
In addition to the book launch, a panel discussion also took place, featuring a distinguished group of speakers with expertise in preservation, history, and local culture. The panelists included Dr. Dhananjai Mohan, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Uttarakhand; Sanjay Kumar, IAS, MD, PCF, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Ganesh Saili, renowned author and longtime resident of Mussoorie, and Lokesh Ohri, anthropologist, historian, and founder of BTDT (Been There Doon That).
The program concluded with a formal lunch, followed by a book signing session by the author Sanjay Kumar.
