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Rabindra Sarobar: Rare birds signal promising winter season
6 Nov
Summary
- Rare bird sightings raise hopes for an exceptional winter birding season.
- Habitat 'beautification' efforts and noise pollution threaten wildlife.
- Concerns mount over allowing Chhath Puja, which previously harmed wildlife.
Birdwatchers in Kolkata are reporting a highly promising autumn at Rabindra Sarobar, with rare species like the rusty-tailed flycatcher and Indian blue robin spotted. This suggests an exceptional winter birding season, as the lake lies on crucial migration flyways. Recent years have also seen an increase in resident birds and an encouraging growth in painted stork and grey heron populations.
However, this ecological recovery is threatened by ongoing "beautification" projects that damage natural habitats. Concerns include the removal of saplings, destruction of firefly habitats, and the use of leaf blowers that create noise and disturbance. Birders fear that allowing large gatherings, such as Chhath Puja, would further jeopardize the avian population and already fragile environment.
Past instances of Chhath Puja at Sarobar led to significant disturbance from crowds, firecrackers, and pollution, causing harm to aquatic life and birds. Birdwatchers emphasize that the current period is critical for migratory birds, and allowing such events could permanently deter them, effectively acting as an "environmental death penalty."
