Nagpur: After 20 rare birds died in a fishing net trapped in a Peepal tree at Gosirkhurd dam, a similar case has come up at Bhivkund dam near Zilpi Lake. Fishing nets were found on dozens of tress, causing bird deaths. It seems that the lakes are turning into hunting grounds of birds, and bird lovers have demand intervention of forest department to curb the poaching. After a member of a group on Facebook posted pictures of teak trees completely trapped in net on the social media platform, two teams of Birds of Vidarbha (BoV) group went to the spot on Sunday, one in the morning and the other in evening. The teams spotted bodies of two common kingfisher and crows.
"They were in a decomposed condition. There is a possibility of more birds dying," said birdwatcher Parag Holkar who went in the morning. The area is a hot spot for bird watchers with its rich bird habitat. "We saw nesting of Woolly-necked stork and bird species like Crested Serpent Eagle," added bird watcher VaibhavLothe.
As trees were half-submerged in water and a large canopy was covered in net, they could not remove all the nets. "A large number of trees are covered in the net and we could only remove net from the corners. Boats and other equipment would be needed for which we have sought help from forest department," said Ashish Tiwari, administrator of BoV Facebook group.
Round officer of Hingna forest range BA Tekade assured that a rescue team will go on spot on Monday to remove the nets. Though bird watchers have not ruled out the possibility that the trees were trapped in the nets accidentally, they felt that fishing activities are becoming a threat for birds. "The nets would have been at the bottom of the lake and came up as the water rose. But parts of it were also thrown on trees to get support. Fishermen need to be made aware about how harmful such practices are for birds," said Tiwari.
About four days back, 20 birds died near Gosikhurd dam after a fishing net was laid on a peepal tree. With increase in such cases, bird lovers said that protection of bird habitats is needed. "Many scheduled bird species are also under threat. Both forest and irrigation department will have to play a role in saving them. While giving contract to fishermen, the irrigation department must issue clear directions asking fishermen not to leave their nets around. Their activities should also be monitored," said avid bird watcher Nitin Marathe.
