Winged visitors lose haven in drying Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Keoladeo National Park of Rajasthan, that has long been an alternative habitat for about 370 species of migratory birds numbering about 40,000, is no more an attraction for the avian beauties.

By Brijesh Kr.Singh

Bharatpur (Rajasthan), Dec.21 : Keoladeo National Park of Rajasthan, that has long been an alternative habitat for about 370 species of migratory birds numbering about 40,000, is no more an attraction for the avian beauties.

These migratory birds included the popular Pelicans, Flamingoes and Siberian cranes to name a few. But, sadly, these migratory birds no longer touch down at the Keoladeo National Park, popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, located in Rajasthan's Bharatpur District.

Lack of rain has badly affected the bird population apart from the growing need for water for agriculture and other purposes. The lakes in the bird sanctuary are drying up.

"A frank admission is that if this problem is not solved then the results would be awful, as it is an aquatic system and can be sustained only when it gets replenishment of water," said Sunayan Sharma, Director, Keoladeo National Park.

Keoladeo National Park is also a breeding colony for about 15 species of exotic birds.

The sharp decline in the number of winged visitors has been a set back for tourists whose arrival is on the decline. Tourists are disappointed as instead of birds chirping and diving for fish they only see arid tracts.

"I think it's a very nice place, although it's a bit dry. We were expecting more lakes and varieties of birds," said Carlos, a Spanish tourist.

The water scarcity has led to scant availability of meal for these winged guests from far off places despite the fact that the sanctuary has almost 11 square kilometres of aquatic area.

With water bodies drying up, chances of seeing migratory birds during the breeding season are bleak. The 11 sq km lake is the main source of food for migratory birds.

Most of the water bodies in the sanctuary have turned dry due to a deficit in rainfall in the last couple of years, but this year aridity has caused a crisis.

Enlisted in the world wildlife heritage list, the park has remained the centre of attraction for foreign and domestic wildlife lovers.

UNESCO has sent a notice to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, saying that if they can't take care of the birds or the sanctuary, they may have to consider removing it from UNESCO heritage status.

According to Kuwar Viswendra Singh, Member of Parliament from Bharatpur District, whose ancestors originally set up the bird sanctuary, the water problem has worsened in the last two years at the sanctuary.

"If it doesn't rain, it shouldn't mean alternate arrangements cannot not be made to save the sanctuary. Remember, besides migratory birds, it is also home to several animals. They need water to survive."

"Apart from the fear of being de-recognised from the UNESCO, the natural habitat will be finished forever due to lack of attention from the government. We have a special affinity for this sanctuary because my ancestors created it. It is very disappointing that neither the Central government nor the State government is paying any attention to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary," Singh added.

"The main concern is the removal of Juliflora from the marshland and arrangement of water from Panchna Dam and a pipeline from River Chambal. Besides, the State and Central Government should ensure conservation of a proud treasure of the country. It is going to be painful for all in Rajasthan," he suggested.

India's natural and man-made wetlands are a second home to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds during the winter season that migrate to warmer climates as temperatures dip and lakes start freezing in their native lands.

The Keoladeo National park, located at the confluence of the rivers Gambhiri and Banganga, was the only wintering ground for the highly endangered Siberian crane, which flew 6,400km to the sanctuary every year until recently.

The annual migration of rare and exotic birds from Siberia, the high altitudes of Afghanistan, China, Central Asia and Northern Europe begins around September, with most birds nestling across the country till March every year.

One of the finest bird parks in the world Keoladeo National Park is a reserve that offers protection to fauna species as well.

Besides, a large species of bird population the sanctuary is also home to various species of deer like Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.

ANI