For whatever flimsy reason, the famed Sattal "studio" has been closed off to bird photographers. We totally oppose this decision and demand the right as a citizen to be able to enjoy the beauty of nature and create beautiful pictures of these Himalayan birds at the studio.

Sattal is one place in the Himalayas that doesn't need birding guides. Birds come by themselves to this studio for drinking water or bathing. Temporary perches set up by photographers allow these birds to alight and give magical moments to the photographers who come from all parts of the country and from overseas too.

Currently, only local youngsters and noisy tourists can continue going there to drink liquor and throw their leftovers at this site which is venerated by every bird photographer. Instead of restricting the entry of such persons, the authorities seem to have targeted the bird photographers.

This would be a boon for private operators and guides who set up hides in their private land and charge high prices. This isn't acceptable for thousands of bird photographers who visit Sattal during the summer months, greatly contributing to the local economy.

We, bird photographers from across the country, appeal to the authorities in Uttarakhand to keep the Sattal 'studio' open, with some measures to prevent overcrowding and to ensure basic birding ethics be followed.