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Nalsarovar Booms: Bird Count Soars 21% After Boating Ban
5 Feb
Summary
- Bird population increased by 21% to over 5 lakh across 200 species.
- Reduced tourist movement and noise pollution contributed to the bird surge.
- Stable water levels and improved wetland management aided bird presence.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, a Ramsar site, has witnessed a significant avian boom, with its latest census recording over five lakh birds from 200 species. This represents a substantial 21% increase compared to the previous year's count of 4.12 lakh birds.
The surge in bird numbers is primarily linked to the cessation of boating activities and a considerable reduction in tourist presence and noise pollution over the last two years. The suspension of approximately 250 boatmen's operations, following safety concerns, has created a more tranquil environment.
Forest department officials attribute the increased abundance to favorable habitat conditions and effective water management. The current water level of around 3.5 feet is considered ideal for bird roosting and feeding, supported by controlled water flow from the Narmada River.
Conservationists observed that areas with less human disturbance exhibited richer birdlife, highlighting the importance of minimal interference in wetland habitats. While the overall migratory bird population has reached a recent high, flamingos and cranes were noted to be comparatively fewer this season.
