Bhubaneswar: A total of 2,355,850 migratory birds arrived in Odisha during the winter season, as informed by the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram SinghKhuntia in the state assembly on Tuesday.
Responding to a query by BJD MLA Aswini Kumar Patra, Minister SinghKhuntia revealed that the state has recorded the arrival of over two million birds across 52 divisions.
As per the Asian Waterbird Census for 2024-25, the largest number of arrivals were recorded in the Chilika (WL) Division, where 1,127,228 birds were counted.
Other significant arrivals included:
- Mangrove Forest (WL) Division, Rajnagar: 151,614 birds
- Hirakud (WL) Division: 377,732 birds
- Nandankanan Zoological Park: 1,597 birds
- Puri (WL) Division: 148,268 birds
The complete list of 52 divisions in Odisha is available below;
However, the Minister stated that it is yet unclear how many of the migratory birds will return to their native habitats after the winter season.
Steps for Protection and Management of Migratory Birds
Minister Singh Khuntia highlighted several measures being undertaken by the Forest Department to protect the migratory birds visiting Odisha’s lakes and water bodies. These initiatives include:
- Boat Patrols: Boat patrols have been introduced in various reservoirs to protect the birds and monitor potential predators.
- Temporary Bird Protection Camps: Special camps have been established at bird congregation sites for their safety and health monitoring.
- Observation Domes: Observation domes and temporary camps are being set up along reservoirs to offer shelter and safety to the birds.
- Community Engagement: Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS) and Eco-Development Committees (EDC) have been formed in surrounding villages to aid in bird protection efforts.
- Disease Monitoring: Strict measures are in place to detect and contain bird flu and other diseases. In cases of dead birds, the Forest Department takes swift action with the help of local VSS members and veterinary officers.
- Communication Systems: Wireless devices are being used for constant communication between forest officials and protection teams, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance.
- Local Protection Teams: Each bird protection camp is staffed with a forest ranger and local residents who monitor the area.
- Road Supervision: A mobile team ensures that heavy vehicles passing through bird habitats are properly supervised.
- Fishing Ban: Fishing activities are strictly prohibited in areas where migratory birds are present.
The efforts highlight the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety of migratory birds and preserving Odisha’s rich biodiversity.
