Jhajjar villages become favourite destination of migratory birds

Ravinder Saini

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Tribune News Service

Jhajjar, January 12

Mandothi and Rohad villages under Bahadurgarh sub-division here are developing into favourite destinations for migratory birds.

Thanks to shallow water bodies, good habitat for breeding and availability of plenty of food, avian species are arriving in big numbers.

Over 15,000 migratory birds of more than 100 species from Siberia, Russia, Europe, Afghanistan, China and other countries can be seen swimming and chirping in the water bodies at Mandothi and Rohad villages.

While bird watchers/ lovers from Delhi, Chandigarh and different districts of the state are visiting the villages, local residents are also enjoying the presence of these winged guests in their area.

“This year, the number of migratory birds in our village is much higher than previous ones. Bird watchers are arriving here from different places,” said Sonu Dalal, a resident of Mandothi village.

Rakesh Ahlawat, another bird watcher, informed that not only at Mandothi and Rohad, but also at Aashoda, Dighal, Baland, Ritauli, Kabulpur, Dhaud and Jharli villages, migratory birds are using water bodies on private lands as stopovers.

He maintained the area of Mandothi and Rohad villages has full potential to be developed as tourist spots. The villagers would find a source of employment if this happens. It would also give a boost to commercial activities like home stay, hotels, resorts, wildlife/tourist guides, transportation and farm tourism in the area, he added.

Deepak Alwadhi, Divisional Wildlife Officer, confirmed that a large number of avian species has flocked to Mandothi and Rohad villages. Wildlife inspectors have been roped in at these villages to ensure the safety of these birds.

“A shallow water zone is being developed over 55 acres at Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary in order to attract migratory birds by providing them good habitat with a plenty of food. The zone will prove useful not only in attracting winged visitors but also tourists and bird watchers from across the nation,” said Alwadhi, adding that the level of water in the zone would be kept maximum up to 2 feet as migratory birds prefer shallow water which makes it easier for them to catch prey.