With knocking of the winter exotic migratory birds have once again begun flocking near Chandankiyari, Chandrapura and Tenughat dam in Bokaro district of Jharkhand.
Tenughat, Chandrapura, Hathia Pathar and Jamunia dams and Pichri are the most visited place for sighting various species, including ruff, black winged common teal, green shank, white and citirine wagtail, northern pintail, gargely, common coot, mallard, pygmy goose, pochard, red crested pochard and combed duck.
But the poachers- a stern threat for these exotic migratory birds- usually local tribals claims they do it for quick money and have been active all along. This winter, they have been hunting since past 20 days when these birds starting flying in these reasons of Dhanbad and Boakro. Over thousands of migratory birds belonging to more than 16 species used to visit in our country during early eighties now the number has dropped drastically to hundreds. Now about 500-odd winged guest are visiting in our country, told an official.
“Global warming, pollutions and frequent bombings in conflict zones along their flight path are the main reasons in decline in the number of the winged guest”, added the official. Taking tough measures State Tourism Minister Bimla Pradhan said that Jharkhand would take strict measures against poaching of Siberian this winter. “We will take steps to protect the migratory birds. A strict vigil will be kept against poaching”, she added.
The measures would be taken in Dumka, Hazaribagh, Sahebganj and other places of the State where the birds start arriving from this month. “We are seeing so many species of migratory birds after a decade. But, I was aghast to see the brutal killing of these birds by tribal people,” said Krishna a bird watcher.
Till the 1990s, thousands of visitors from Bengal, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar used to visit the area, including Maithan Dam in Dhanbad, to take a glimpse of these exotic birds but their chirping has been silenced amid the sounds of red rebels’ guns since past few years,” added Krishna.
