Bhubaneswar: A bird census is underway in over 500 sq km ranging from Hirakud Dam in Odisha’s Sambalpur district to Chhattisgarh border since 5.00 am on Monday. The census will continue till 5.00 pm today.
The region has been divided into 21 sectors and 32 teams from Sambalpur, Bargarh and Jharsuguda districts of the state have been engaged in the census. In addition, the teams comprise 30 Forest Department officers and 78 bird experts. In addition, local fishermen experienced in counting birds have been engaged in the annual census.
Last year, 3.16 lakh migratory birds had visited the Hirakud Dam, Odisha Wildlife Division officials said, adding that this year they expect the avian population to rise.
