Much to celebrate in Jhajjar
Ravinder Saini in Jhajjar
Over a dozen villages in Jhajjar are developing into a destination for the winged guests. There is plenty for them to rejoice: water-logging conditions, good habitat for breeding and enough food. Thousands of migratory birds of different varieties have arrived in these villages. Their count may double in the coming days. The district already has a sanctuary for migratory birds at Bhindawas village.
“This year is better for bird watchers, which gives us a sense of happiness and pride,” says Sonu Dalal, a resident of Mandhothi village. Bird watchers want to develop the area as a national park. Environmentalists say an overgrowth of water hyacinth in the Bhindawas Lake is one of the reasons why migratory birds have shifted to surrounding villages.
Sunder Sambharya, district forest officer (DFO) says migratory birds use water-bodies of nearby villages of Bhindawas wetland as a stopover.
The Bhindawas wetland is spread over 1,074 acres and is one of the biggest bird sanctuaries in north India. Bird watchers say it qualifies to become a national park as per rules laid down in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. “The wetland was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1986. It holds enough water throughout the year. The water is also free from chemicals and fertilizers. A variety of food is available for the winged guests. No public highway or district road passes through the area,” says Sambharya.
Jagmender, a bird lover from Dighal village, says if Bhindawas becomes a national park, it’d help in generating employment. “Most villagers depend on agriculture which is not much lucrative. A national park status would encourage commercial activities in the area,” he said.
