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Kolkata Pond Cleanup Sparks Conservation Fears
20 Sep
Summary
- Unseasonal pond cleaning endangers nesting sites of vital bird species.
- Monsoon, the breeding season, is being disrupted by aggressive plant removal.
- Conservationists urge reconsideration to protect Rabindra Sarobar's ecosystem.
Kolkata's Paddapukur pond is facing an ecological crisis as an unseasonal cleaning drive threatens the breeding grounds of several bird species. Conservationists express deep concern, noting that the current monsoon season is crucial for the reproduction of Bronze-winged Jacanas and White-breasted Waterhens. The removal of aquatic plants, including lotus and water hyacinths, is directly destroying their nesting sites, a fact highlighted by recent sightings of vulnerable chicks.
Bird enthusiasts argue that such extensive clean-ups should ideally occur during winter. They point out that the current monsoon conditions actually promote the regeneration of these plants, making the ongoing efforts a waste of resources and a detrimental interference with the natural cycle. The situation at Rabindra Sarobar, a vibrant ecosystem supporting over 100 bird species, calls for a balanced approach to cleanliness that respects its living inhabitants.
Conservationists are appealing to authorities to reconsider the timing of the cleaning drive, emphasizing that Rabindra Sarobar is a shared habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife, not solely for human use. While maintaining a clean environment free from plastic and garbage is important, it should not come at the expense of the natural vegetation that sustains the area's rich biodiversity. The plea is to save the nesting grounds during this critical period.
