Wildlife organisations, conservationists and bird protection groups met recently and urged the administration of Khurda and Ganjam to restrict tourist movements in designated waterways to ensure sanctity of the bird breeding areas.

Wild Orissa held an interaction with Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Surakhya Samiti (SSMPSS), Kalpavriksha, Kolkata Trekkers, WWF-India, Godwit Eco Cottage, Bakul Foundation and Kalinga Birds to discuss the major issues.

It was felt by the stakeholders that measures should be taken to adopt ecologically sustainable tourism practices. The local wildlife officials should ensure that tourists are issued a set of “do’s and don’ts” before they go in for bird watching. Besides, fruit-bearing trees of local species for benefit of the birds must be planted, the meeting observed.

Mangalajodi, which was once notorious for poaching of migratory birds, saw a complete turnaround after local hunters were counselled and persuaded to give up hunting. Wild Orissa, which played a key role in bringing this change, helped formulation of SSMPSS in 2000.

“Eco-tourism which was initiated in 2002 as an alternative source for local businesses, created trained eco-guides and bird protection committees. But it is time to safeguard Mangalajodi,” chief spokesperson of Wild Orissa Kulamani Deo said.

However, the growing footfall of tourists to the place in the last few years has become a cause of concern. The place is very critical to breeding of a large variety of resident birds, some of which are extremely rare and endangered, Deo said adding that there is an immediate need to conserve the delicate ecosystem from getting destroyed. This will not only spell doom for Mangalajdi but also the economic benefits which the local villagers derive from wildlife and eco-tourism measures.

The stakeholders demanded that regular monitoring of direct and negative impacts of tourism needs to be put in place. Improved sanitation for tourists, manned railway crossings, designated parking and strengthening of earthen embankments are immediate needs for Mangalajodi, they observed.