Bhubaneswar: The Chilika Wildlife Division has set up 22 temporary bird protection camps, along with two mobile patrol units and a control room, to protect migratory birds expected to arrive at the lagoon over the next few weeks, a forest official said on Tuesday.
The camps, which became operational on October 1, will remain active until the end of March, when the migratory birds begin their return journey, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Amlan Nayak said.
At least two to three personnel have been deployed at each camp to strengthen anti-poaching measures and monitor bird habitats across the lagoon.
Of the 22 camps, 11 have been established in the vulnerable Tangi range, four in the Balugaon range, three in the Rambha range and two each in the Satapada and Chilika ranges.
The DFO said round-the-clock patrolling would be conducted in the lake to maintain strict vigil against poachers and ensure the safety of migratory birds.
The protection measures have been put in place ahead of the arrival of thousands of migratory birds at Chilika, which serves as an important wintering ground for several species of birds.
