Nalabana to be shut for two weeks for annual bird count

The Times of India , Sunday, December 27, 2015
Correspondent : TNN
BERHAMPUR: The wildlife authorities on Friday imposed a two-week ban on entry of visitors into Nalabana, the bird sanctuary inside the Chilika Lake. The blanket prohibition will be enforced till the completion of the annual bird count in the lake slated for January 10.

"Except for the patrolling squads, others will not be allowed to visit the 15.53 sq km sanctuary. The ban will be strictly followed to ensure the migratory birds in the sanctuary area are not disturbed, just before the count," said divisional forest officer (DFO), Chilka wildlife division, B R Dash.

Tourists and visitors, including senior government officers, visit the lake on the eve of or on the New Year which causes much disturbance to the birds before the count, said a wildlife officer. "The ban will ensure smooth conduct of the count of winged guests in the sanctuary area as well as other areas of the lake," the officer added.

Nalabana remains a main attraction for visitors as migratory birds congregate here in large numbers. They are also found in other areas of the lake including Mangaljodi, Bhusandapur, Sorana and Rambha. An estimated 7 lakh birds have already descended on the lake, official sources said.

The DFO said people will be allowed to visit other areas of the blue lagoon. "The total ban at Nalabana will also help prevent possible bird poaching on New Year eve," he said.

Bird meat features in the menu of most hotels in Berhampur, Balugaon, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack on December 31, the sources added.

 
SOURCE : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Nalabana-to-be-shut-for-two-weeks-for-annual-bird-count/articleshow/50332322.cms
 


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