Visakhapatnam: With the sighting of a few winter-winged guests around the bird sanctuary area in Srikakulam, the forest department has initiated measures to provide favourable condition to the migratory birds. Thousands of migratory birds such as painted storks and spot-billed pelicans travel more than 6,000 km and flock to the bird sanctuaries from Siberia in search of feeding and hatching ground.
However, post Hudhud, the number of migratory birds visiting the sanctuaries at Telineelapuram (Tekkali forest range) and Telikunchi (Kasibugga forest range) in the district had declined owing to ecological disturbance with uprooting of large number of trees. According to Srikaku-lam forest division sources, only 1,821 birds arrived in both the sanctuaries in 2015-16 while on an average, 7,000 birds used to visit the area every year.
Tekkali forest range officer Sanjay Yalla said, “We already spotted a few migratory birds recently. Loss of green cover due to the cyclone Hudhud had affected the migratory birds. We hope that more number of migratory birds would come this year as the situation has improved now. Moreover, we have erected artificial tree specimen with nest boxes to ensure favorable environment for nesting and hatching.” “We have also placed nets under the trees and nests to prevent the chicks from falling to the ground with support from voluntary organisations. Apart from our department staff, protection watchers would be employed to stop poaching of birds,” he added.
The dwindling wetland habitats are affecting not only the migratory but the local birds and increasing the risk of poaching. A birder and environmentalist Vivek Rathod said, “The bird sanctuary is not being developed as it should have been. The forest department should take steps eyeing at long-term gain rather going for temporary arrangements.” He also expressed concern over the ecological disturbance resulting from anthropogenic activities in the area.
