The birder who refuses to let a hill disappear in Pune: How a quiet community of birdwatchers continue to save Pune's highest hill
Published on: March 13, 2026, 5:10 a.m. | Source: Times of India
Pune's Vetal Tekdi, once facing development threats, has been preserved through a shift in public perception. Avid birder Ranjeet Rane initiated informal birdwatching walks, revealing the hill's rich biodiversity. This community-driven effort, documented through citizen science initiatives like the Great Backyard Bird Count, has transformed the hill from mere open land into a valued ecosystem, ensuring its future.
