Bhubaneswar, April 17: The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are growing faster sparing little space for the water bodies and wetlands. Despite the lacunae in the rapid urbanisation process and depleting ecosystems, some patches have some hopes left for the winged guests to rest, play, nest and live.

A village named Bhingarpur between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar may be the perfect getaway for birdwatchers. The place is 15km from Utkal University and 9km from Hanspal Square towards Balianta block connecting the famous Kenduli village, the birth place of poet Jayadev. River Kuakhai runs through the village and the river bank provides a beautiful habitat for birds-both resident and migratory birds.

Branch of the Puri Main Canal and river Kuakhai meet at this place and create a huge wetland which, along with a large stretch of agricultural fields provide ample space and a natural playground for several species of birds.

Since the area holds water throughout the year, it provides food i.e. insects and small fishes for the birds. A large number of open bill storks come here from March 15 and stay till June end.

The local villagers do not harm birds that move around freely in the area. Ecologist Prasad Dash, who belongs to the area, said: “The villagers have learned to adjust with the birds, both resident and migratory and they represent the same spirit of the people of some places in Ganjam, Nayagarh and Sambalpur where blackbucks, peacocks and fish are being conserved with the efforts of local residents with forest and wildlife authorities.’’

Wetlands are transitional zones that occupy an intermediate position between dry land and open water. They are dominated by the influence of water and possess characteristics of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and some properties that are unique to them.

They support a wide array of flora and fauna and deliver many ecological, climatic and societal functions.

Scientists often refer to wetlands as the ‘kidneys’ and forests as the ‘lungs’ of the earth. Orissa, by virtue of its extensive geographical stretch and varied terrain and climate, supports a rich diversity of inland and coastal wetlands.

Where major focus is given to wetlands like, Chilika lake, Ansupa lake, Kanjia lake and Bhitarkanika wetlands for the rich flora and fauna, the small wetlands near Bhubaneswar are ignored even though they support many resident and migratory birds.

Many wading birds and waterfowl like egrets, herons and cranes nest in wetlands. Of the 78 endangered species of birds in India, 55 depend on wetlands (37 threatened species such as the Sarus crane and the spot-billed pelican and 18 near threatened species led by the lesser flamingo and the white ibis).

Wetlands provide food and shelter for mammals.

India has 243 species of water birds and 67 species of wetland dependent birds almost half of which are migratory and come to the subcontinent to breed.

The use of the wetlands by the migratory and resident birds at Bhingarpur should be encouraged.

As the spot is very near to the birthplace of the famous poet Jayadev of Gitagovinda fame, the spot can be promoted for tourism after a beautification drive. The area should be cleaned from any type dumping and the birds should not be disturbed.

The historic Prachi Valley, along the course of the river is a site full of beautiful temples of 11th and 12th Century A.D. and the birds’ paradise could be tagged with both the Kenduli village and Prachi Valley to form a package, which may interest tourists to Puri and Konark.

Concern

Though the evil effects of urbanisation cannot be ruled out completely, of late there were several reports of death of common moorhen. However, the cause of the death is yet to be identified.

Even though there was a great potential for these migratory birds to stay and breed here, the ongoing dumping of wastes creates threats for these birds as the water gets mixed up with the nearby wetlands and causes problems for the birds.

“We have noticed fresh dumping of truck-load of garbage and solid wastes probably from Bhubaneswar as the people doing the illegal work are either dumping them at night or early morning hours.

“This has also affected the surrounding where the winged guests are staying for last two winters,’’ said Pratyush Mohapatra, a biologist with a city-based organisation.

In this context the civic authorities of the Capital city have to take necessary steps to clean the ambience of these migratory and resident aquatic birds to retain their stay in the localities.