Winged guests boost tourism in Sirmaur

Nahan, January 30

The inter-state border of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is abuzz with exotic birds. The Asan wetland on the banks of the Yamuna has become a winter haven for migratory birds these days. So far, about 5,000 exotic birds have arrived in the area this year. From November to March every year, the area around Sirmaur district is frequented by these winged guests from abroad.

Datta Ram Kukreti, Forest Range Officer, Asan wetland, Uttarakhand, says a large number of migratory birds have arrived here this year. “Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the safety of the migratory birds and late night patrolling is carried out to ensure that no one harms them,” he adds.

Among the birds seen this year are common cormorant, red-crested pochard, gadwall, common pochard, eurasian wigeon, common cape cod, northern shoveler, grey legged little egret, kingfisher, white bristle waterhen, grey heron, purple heron, woolly-necked stock, baer’s pochard, northern pintail, ferruginous duck, bar-headed goose and rudy shelduck, known as brahaminy duck in India.

Kukreti says that this year, about 61 species of migratory birds have been sighted here, which includes the globally endangered species also. During November to March, most of the migratory birds can be seen here in a large number.

To create awareness among locals, the forest staff is taking the help of loudspeakers installed at nearby temples and mosques. They urges people not to cause any harm to the birds and also do not litter the lake. Clean water in the lake and a sufficient fish area are available for the winged visitors for their food, says the forest staff.

Kukreti says, “These two factors have led to the arrival of a large number of birds this year. Last year, a total of 4,237 birds arrived here along with 47 species of migratory birds. But this year around 5,250 birds have reached here with 61 different species of exotic birds. While the total number of birds has increased by about 1,000, as many as 14 new species of exotic birds have also reached here this year.”

On Saturdays and Sundays, a large number of tourists also come here to watch exotic birds. This has led to a spurt in tourism business in Sirmaur and nearby areas. Bird lovers coming from different parts of the country and abroad are enthusiastic to see a large number of species of birds gathered at one place.