Cuttack: A flock of Indian skimmers known as Panichiri in local parlance migrated to the Mahanadi river bed in Athagarh of Cuttack district for breeding.
A total of 165 rare species of birds have arrived in the Mahanadi river bed. Around 82 eggs out of which 35 hatchlings have been identified, Athagarh ACF Biswal Chichi Lichi said.
The forest department has provided 24-hour security. Entry of the general public and fishermen has been restricted to the area. The endangered species migrated to the Mahanadi bed as the spot is a suitable and safe place for breeding for the birds.
The sand bed in Athagarh provides a favourable environment for the rare birds.
Earlier, the endangered avian creatures used to come for breeding on the banks of the Mahanadi river near Munduli barrage in Cuttack. The forest department had also launched a massive awareness campaign among the local people, school and college students for the protection of the birds. ,
