What happened (International Vulture Awareness Day 2026 workshop in Panchkula)
On 7 September 2026, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) celebrated International Vulture Awareness Day 2026 at Panchkula, Haryana. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav inaugurated a national-level workshop themed “From Crisis to Recovery – Conserving India’s Vultures.”
The workshop brought together MoEFCC and Haryana Forest & Wildlife stakeholders, including senior forest officials, scientists, veterinarians, zoo professionals, conservation practitioners, and other stakeholders. MoEFCC stated the event was organised in collaboration with the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), Haryana Forest & Wildlife Department, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), and Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre (JCBC), Pinjore.
During the inaugural session, the MoEFCC Minister highlighted vulture conservation as part of an ecosystem-oriented conservation approach, not limited to a single species. The programme also included release of a coffee table book titled “Story of Jatayu: Saving India’s Vulture,” and prize distribution for online drawing and digital photography competitions on vulture conservation.
Background and earlier position (why vultures need recovery support)
MoEFCC’s statement described vultures as highly efficient scavengers and “nature’s own cleaning system.” The Minister linked rapid consumption of animal carcasses with nutrient recycling and ecological balance.