High concentration of Siberian birds at the sanctuary prompted the Forest Department to close the gates for visitors to ensure safety for the winged guests who migrate to escape the biting winter back home, DFO Chilka Wildlife Division Abhimanyu Behera said.

"The Forest Department has also set up a control-room, which functions round-the-clock to receive information about poaching," Behera added. Altogether 61 anti-poaching camps have been set up in different locations of the lake, including two mobile squads moving in the 1,100 sq km of the lake and on the shore. One section of police force has also been deployed in the lake to assist the Forest personnel. The bird protection committee has also helped in curbing poaching, Behera said.