Will Winged Visitors Return to Twin Cities?

The New Indian Express , Monday, November 23, 2015
Correspondent :
HUBBALLI: The trend of water and wading birds migrating to Kelageri and Navilur lakes from different parts is slowly waning as they feel insecure in the wake of lack of water and threat from poachers.

The number of migrating birds which was in hundreds some years ago is going down rapidly and apprehension is that they may stop coming altogether.

Nature Research Centre, an NGO in the city, is trying hard to conserve this ecosystem. HarshavardhanSheelavant of the centre said the number of birds migrating to Dharwad has shrunk from hundreds around a decade ago to double digits. Barheaded Geese and Pelican come by this time. The geese have already come to nearby Magadilake and may fly to Kelageri and Navilur, the two remaining lakes in the twin cities in a few days, he said. A feeling of insecurity seems to the major reason for the dip in migratory birds. Human habitation has increased in the vicinity of these lakes and wet land areas have shrunk due to encroachment. Water contamination has also kept the winged visitors away.

As residential layouts have come up in the catchment areas, water is contaminated due to flow of sewage. Another angle and more a serious one is the unabated poaching of birds.

Residents of Navilur said they discourage poaching activities, but somehow it is going on due to inaction of the competent authorities.

“These birds are quite sensitive. Once they feel insecure about the location with the killing of a member of their flock, they will never return,” they said.

The law has empowered the Forest Department authorities to take stringent action and punish the poachers, but they do not. If the lethargy of the authorities continues, the birds may not migrate to the city next winter, they opined.

 
SOURCE : http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/Will-Winged-Visitors-Return-to-Twin-Cities/2015/11/23/article3142455.ece
 


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