Fewer winged visitors flock to Punjab wetlands this year

Tribune News Service

Ropar, January 21

Punjab, which used to be a rich wetland habitat that attracted a large number of winter migratory birds from central Asia, north Asia and Siberia, is losing on this count. The number of migratory birds is declining rapidly due to human interference, including sand mining, motor-boating and fishing.

A survey conducted by the Wetlands International, South Asia, a global NGO dedicated to sustaining and restoring wetlands under its project Asian Waterbirds Census (AWC), revealed that only 1,647 birds were found at Ropar wetland on January 19. The number was marginally lower than last year's figure of 1,654. It is one of three Ramsar sites in Punjab.

At Kanjli wetland in Kapurthala district, the situation was alarming as only 164 such birds were found during a survey conducted yesterday. At Harike wetland, the census will be conducted on January 24.

AWC ecologist TK Roy, who led the bird census team, said global climate change had affected the bird migration trend. The phenomenon was recorded all over the country, he added.

The Ropar wetland witnessed the arrival of 46 bird species this year as against 30 species recorded last year. Four threatened species of oriental darter, river tern, river lapwing, and painted stork were also spotted at Ropar.