Kosal Discussion and Development Forum

Hirakud plays host to fewer migratory birds

February 13, 2011 at 8:56 am sanjibkarmee Leave a comment

Following is from the expressbuzz.com:

SAMBALPUR: Call it climate change or impact of industrialisation on the periphery of Hirakud dam reservoir, there has been a drastic reduction in the arrival of migratory birds to the reservoir under Hirakud wildlife division during this winter season.

As winter sets in, migratory birds come down to the reservoir, one of the places for their suitable ensconce. Thousands of birds of various species migrate every year and stay for four months till  February-end before flying back in the first week of March.

The winged guests from far-flung areas including Caspian Sea, Biakal Lake, Aral Sea, Mongolia, Central and South East Asia and Himalayan region flock to the reservoir in the first week of November every year for the winter sojourn. The winged guests stay for about five months at the reservoir which forms the largest artificial lake in Asia with an area of 746 sq km and a shoreline of over 640 km.

Contrary to preceding years, the number of migratory birds descending on the reservoir is almost reduced to half. It is learnt that only a few migratory birds have come down to the reservoir to the dismay of wildlife officers and bird lovers.

As per available reports, over 21,160 migratory birds of about 27 species had flown from far-flung areas to the reservoir as per census in January, 2010. However, their number has come down to 10,722 during the last month census.

As many as 20 to 25 species of birds are seen in the reservoir and common among them are Common Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Great Duck Bill, Spot Bill (Grey Duck), Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Pond Heron, Painted Stork, Whiskered Tern, Indian River Tern, Gadwall and

Red Wattled Lapwing and Black Winged Stilt.

While the declining number of birds has been a cause of concern for bird lovers, it has become a challenge for the Wildlife Department. Although the cause is yet to be ascertained, it is said to be the result of climate change, massive industrialisation and resultant sound and water pollution.

Entry filed under: Hirakud Dam Reservoir, Region watch, Sambalpur, Sambalpur-Chipilima-Hirakud-Huma-Kandhara-Ushakothi, Tourism Zones, Wildlife Sanctuary.