The NGO partners with BNHS to restore Punjab’s state bird and plant 350 sacred forests.
Chandigarh: EcoSikh, a global NGO working to unite the Sikh community on environmental and climate issues, has announced an ambitious plan to revive the ‘Baaz’, the sacred bird associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The project aims to restore the natural habitat of the Northern Goshawk, Punjab’s state bird, which is now on the verge of extinction.
The initiative will be carried out in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a 140-year-old Mumbai-based conservation organization. Together, they will launch a Sacred Fauna Mission to repopulate the Baaz and other falcon species such as the Shaheen Falcon across Punjab.
EcoSikh made the announcement at a press conference held at the Chandigarh Press Club. Dr. Rajwant Singh, Global President of EcoSikh, said, “Guru Gobind Singh’s bird, the Baaz, symbolized dignity and courage. Sadly, this important emblem of the Guru and Punjab’s skies has nearly vanished due to habitat loss, illegal trade, and pollution.”
He noted that the Punjab Wildlife Department has not recorded any Baaz sightings in over two decades. The revival project aims to restore ecological balance and pay spiritual tribute to Guru Gobind Singh.
EcoSikh also announced its goal to plant 350 sacred forests across India in honor of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th martyrdom anniversary. Each forest will follow the Miyawaki method, creating dense native woodlands that boost biodiversity and regenerate barren lands.
Dr. Supreet Kaur, President of EcoSikh India, said, “Each forest will serve as a living classroom to reconnect people with nature and the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.”
Over the past 16 years, EcoSikh has planted 1,350 sacred forests across India, with more than 750,000 native trees. Charan Singh, Convenor of the Sacred Forests and Fauna project, said, “Reintroducing the Baaz is not only ecological work but also a spiritual mission inspired by Guru’s vision of Sarbat da Bhala—the welfare of all.”
Lokesh Jain, Managing Director of TK Steel and coordinator of the ‘Lungs of Ludhiana’ project, shared that 280 forests with over 152,000 native trees have already been planted in Ludhiana.
EcoSikh’s initiative combines spirituality with science, striving to restore Punjab’s lost biodiversity and honor the sacred legacy of the Sikh Gurus.
