(From top) A construction site near Bhingarpur village and birds near a water body in Balianta block on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, May 30: An eco-sensitive zone on the city outskirts, which is home to over 60 species of birds, has fallen prey to real estate developers.

According to ecologists, the change in land use pattern will not only alter the ecology of the area affecting rivers, canals and wetlands, it will also affect soil fertility and food chain in the ecosystem threatening animal and plant species. The area, which has fallen prey to real estate players, falls in Balianta block.

The capital is growing fast. With the rising land and property prices at the heart of the city, people prefer to go to surrounding areas. Balianta has become an obvious and easy choice for the purpose. Hence property developers have also started venturing into the block.

“Land prices in the block have skyrocketed like anything. A decade ago, the price of land in Balianta was around Rs 2.5 lakh per acre. But now, it has gone up to Rs 50-75 lakh as several private builders’ have hiked land prices here,’’ said Prafulla Kumar Tripathy, a resident.

Also, because of easy availability of rice at the rate of Rs 2-per-kg, labourers are no longer interested to help their landlords in farming. So, when fertile lands are lying unused, the owners are falling prey to the baits of the builders. Two weeks ago, a prominent builder from the city purchased 60 acres near Bhingarpur.

At present, more than 20 builders operate in the area. Some of these builders are also providing duplex houses for the price of flats sold in the capital. Ecologist Prasad Dash, who belongs to Bhingarpur village, said the unusual change in land use pattern from agricultural to residential would ultimately cause a problem in the food chain. “The food chain is very vital in an ecosystem as all animals and plants are interlinked in a prey-predator relationship. But with the change in land use pattern, the ecosystem will be damaged completely causing loss of food for animals. So, they will either die or go elsewhere to find another home,’’ he said.

“The areas near Balianta block are home to more than 60 species of local and migratory birds. They are even seen in the last week of May, while their counterparts are leaving other major water bodies. The unplanned and unrestricted growth of housing blocks and colonies will drive away the winged guests from the area,’’ the ecologist added.

“A branch of the Puri main canal, river Kuakhai and its branches create a huge wetland in the entire block. This, along with a large stretch of agricultural field, provide ample space and a natural playground for the birds. Since the area holds water throughout the year and becomes moist due to the discharge of water from the canal, it provides insects and small fishes as food for the birds,’’ said environment activist Bijay Mishra.

The soil of the area is very fertile and the low-lying zones hold water for longer period due to their porosity. “But, with the increase in real estate activities, developers are filling in the land with sand, causing loss of fertility and change in land porosity. It will ultimately affect all animals and plant species,’’ Mishra added.

Planning member of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) Prashant Kumar Patnaik admitted that the eco-sensitive zone was affected by real estate development. “ “However, the entire development process is under radar of the BDA. Soon, provisions will be made to keep the region protected from the unnecessary growth of concrete jungles,’’ he added.