MOTIHARI: Poaching of migratory birds continues unabated in different lakes and rivers in East Champaran district in this winter despite warnings issued by the police, administration and forest and environment officials against killing and trapping of winged visitors.
The bird catchers sale these birds openly in different markets and by the side of NH-28 on Guwahati-Lucknow highway at an exorbitant price ranging from Rs 500 to 1500 per bird. The birds are being transported to UP and Delhi by racketeers.
Thousands of migratory birds migrate here every year at Sarottar, Sugaon, Turkauliya, Motihari, Karariya, Matawali, Pipra, Siraha and Tetariya lakes and Gandak, Burhi Gandak and Bagmati rivers extended over an area of 97km in East Champaran district during winter and half of the birds end up on the dining tables of rich and affluent people and in big hotels.
Arbind Mishra, state coordinator of Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) said these water birds come here from the European coasts to escape the freezing cold there. They breed here in warmer environment and with the onset of summer in early February and March they return to their homes with their offsprings.
Lalbabu Manjhi, divisional forest officer said around 40 known species of birds have landed here in this season like red crested pochards, (Lalsar), common cranes, pintails, spoon bills and black and white necked stork. The red crested pochards have come in a large number and the local people are very much friendly with this bird.
Large flocks of these birds are located in Sarottar lake under Kesariya block. Around 30,000 migratory and exotic birds have taken shelter in this lake from last November. The lake is spread over an area of 6km and located adjoining NH-28 near Dhangarha village.
Arun Kumar Singh, advocate who is a native of Sarottar while talking to TOI said the lands around the lake area belong to over 50 farmers of Sarottar village, who lease out this lake to fishermen and trappers for fishing and trapping of birds every year and they share the amount.
Laldhar Sahani, a local fisherman engaged in bird trapping in Sarottar lake said he traps four to six birds everyday and earns a good amount. They sell these birds in rural markets and by the road sides due to fear of police. Amar, a social worker said different species of migratory birds are sold openly in road side markets at Chakiya, Mehasi, Motipur and Muzaffarpur. A bird lover, Dr Shobha Kant Chaudhary said an awareness should be launched by social workers among common men not to poach or buy these migratory birds. Police alone cannot check this menace .
