Despite the looming threat of bird flu and vigilance of forest officials, exotic migratory birds coming in search of a less cold home here are ironically finding their way to dinner tables.
Understanding well the fact that the arrival of over 40 varieties of migratory birds in this part of the State bring in a windfall for bird trappers, a large number of line hotels located on the flanks of the National Highway No 2 are also playing the role of butcher houses of these birds.
At several hotels near Nirsa, Govindpur, Rajganj, Topchanchi and further ahead till Sasaram, a large variety of the migratory birds particularly from the webbed feet family are readily available for the connoisseur of good food.
Though the premium sought for the dishes prepared with the migratory birds is far more in comparison to the routine chicken-related dishes, the steadily increasing demand has put the life of already endangered species of migratory birds.
"We buy these colourful ducks from villagers and pay them very suitably," confessed a small hotel owner a little ahead of Topchanchi, who is presently dealing in lip-smacking curlews, Lalsar (Common Pochard), Ardhanga (Gargany) and Surkhab (Brahminy Shelduck).
A little ahead on the NH 2 itself, another nondescript hotel caters only the all-time favourite Common Teal (Murgabi) customers. "Villagers come to sell it on a regular basis and as there is a never ending demand from people passing by, we are compelled to sell the dishes prepared with these items," the aged hotelier added with a toothless grin.
Most of the bird trappers use the tried and tested method of using wire snares erected in the foliage close to the water for trapping these innocent beauties.
"The snares are set up a little past evening and at the crack of the dawn, they all are checked and usually found to be loaded," stated a local villager after much prodding.
"In most of the cases, the forest department officials or guards know nothing because the entire trade is being conducted under threatening shadow of naxalism," said a local villager near Topchanchi Lake.
He explained that due to the constant movement of the armed squads of the CPI (Maoists) guards prefer to stay close to the dam and the sluice gate area. "The farthest corners are unmonitored and free for poachers," added sources.
Interestingly, when asked, the local forest guards feigned complete ignorance. Maintaining their false bravado, one of them bragged, "what are you talking? Come here at 12 in the night and you will find me lighting my torch at the other end of the lake!" If that's so, are they abetting the poaching then?
