Record migratory bird count in Nalsarovar and Thol sanctuaries this year, heritage stepwells may soon be available for pre-wedding photoshoots, Khel Mahakumbh 3.0 scheduled from December 2024 to March 2025, and more. Catch up with the latest news of the city in this Ahmedabad News Roundup.

According to data released by the state government, Nalsarovar Wetland reported its highest count of migratory birds in a decade with 3,62,000 birds, while Thol Bird Sanctuary recorded 1,11,000 birds in 2024.

Thol has witnessed a 355% increase in bird population since 2010, when it recorded just 31,380 birds, and Nalsarovar has seen a 276% rise from 1,31,000 birds in 2010. The significant increase highlights the success of Gujarat’s conservation efforts and the growing importance of these sanctuaries as critical habitats for migratory species.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is considering opening five heritage vavs (stepwells) for pre-wedding photoshoots to generate additional revenue. Currently, pre-wedding shoots are allowed in select gardens along the Sabarmati Riverfront for a fixed fee.

The Recreation Committee has instructed officials to evaluate the feasibility of offering heritage sites for such shoots. Amritvarshini Vav is one of the proposed locations. The final decision, including fees and guidelines, will be announced soon.

Gujarat's Khel Mahakumbh 3.0, will be held from the 5th of December, 2024, to the 31st of March, 2025, as announced by the Minister of State for Youth & Sports (I/C). The event aims to encourage youth participation in sports and foster athletic talent across the state.

This year, the competition will feature 39 sports disciplines, including 32 Olympic sports, 7 emerging sports, and 25 para-sports, offering a platform for athletes to compete and represent Gujarat at national and international levels.

The Ahmedabad Rural District Education Office has launched a new educational initiative, “Pariksha Parva Ni Guruchavi” (Key to Exam Festival), aimed at supporting students appearing for the upcoming board exams.

The programme provides daily 15-minute video tutorials on the department’s YouTube channel, offering expert guidance on crucial subjects aligned with the board exam blueprint. The initiative will continue until the conclusion of the HSC and SSC exams in February 2024, aiming to alleviate exam-related stress and enhance student performance.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has approved a budget of ₹17-18 crore for the Flower Show 2025 at the Sabarmati Riverfront, marking a ₹5 crore increase from the previous year. The event will showcase 26 iconic and simple sculptures, with ₹8 crore allocated for their installation.

An additional ₹3 crore will be spent on plants, pots, and decorative items. The Recreation Committee has greenlit the proposal, and consultants will be appointed to oversee the arrangements. The show is expected to attract a large number of visitors in January 2025.