Gandhinagar: Nayara Energy signed two MoUs in state capital with the Forest & Environment Department of the Gujarat Government and the Vidya Samiksha Kendra under the Education Department.

As per the MoU signed with the Forest Department, Nayara Energy will provide financial support for the conservation and restoration project of the Khijadia Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar district.

The project, to be implemented over three years at a total cost of ₹12 crore, aims to improve the ecological conditions of wetlands, enhance local biodiversity, and promote the participation of local stakeholders in wetland management and related activities.

Additionally, the initiative will help improve the ecological and hydrological health of the wetlands, benefiting local communities in the sanctuary’s catchment area and mitigating biodiversity stress. The project primarily focuses on eco-tourism promotion, wetland restoration and conservation, infrastructure development, and capacity building.

It is noteworthy that due to its diverse geographical features, Khijadia Bird Sanctuary—a Ramsar site (Wetland of International Importance)—is home to a wide range of species. These include 185 plant species, 23 butterfly species, 21 dragonfly species, 9 species of fish and shrimp, and 321 bird species (including 125 aquatic birds and 9 mammal species). Furthermore, 29 species from the sanctuary are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Khijadia plays a crucial role in regulating local hydrology and supporting the local economy and cultural values. Rain and runoff recharge the groundwater, preventing soil salinity.

The sanctuary is surrounded by five eco-sensitive villages—Khijadia, Dhuwav, Jambuda, Sachana, and Vibhapar—located within 1 to 3 kilometers.

As per the MoU, the Forest Department will act as the implementing agency, while Nayara Energy will provide financial and other resources for the conservation and restoration of Khijadia Bird Sanctuary.

The MoU signed between Nayara Energy and Vidya Samiksha Kendra of the Education Department in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel will enhance reading activities in 1,300 government schools and Anganwadis in Jamnagar and Devbhoomi Dwarka.

Under this three-year initiative, from April 2025 to March 2028, Nayara Energy will provide over 150 books in English and Gujarati per school in government schools across these districts. Additionally, 1,900 Anganwadis will receive 90 books in languages children can easily understand, fostering early literacy. The project aims to distribute approximately 3,75,000 books, laying a strong foundation for reading and learning.

Moreover, teachers and librarians will receive training in library management and reading engagement to ensure the effective use of resources and long-term impact.

Beyond physical books, this initiative will leverage digital platforms to enhance access to digital reading materials and infrastructure. Smart classrooms, computer labs, and tablets will be used to integrate digital reading sessions into the school curriculum. Teachers will also be trained to use open-source digital libraries and incorporate digital reading tools into classroom learning.

This initiative will provide a major boost to Gujarat’s reading culture, expand access to multilingual learning resources, strengthen literacy among Anganwadi children, and empower teachers with training in physical and digital literacy tools. The use of technology and open-source platforms will further improve accessibility and inclusivity in education. DeshGujarat