Cooch Behar, Dec. 22: The absence of migratory birds in Sagar Dighi this year has become a cause for concern for environmentalists and residents.

The lake that has been home to migratory birds for years has disappointed bird lovers, who have to remain content with the winged visitors at Lal Dighi.

For secretary of Cooch Behar Nagarik Samity Tarun Kumar Lahiri, it was tough coming to terms with a winter without the winged wonders crowding Sagar Dighi.

“Why will the birds come here? You will find hordes of youngsters swimming here in the afternoon. People under different political banners hold programmes along the lake almost everyday,”Lahiri said.

Administrative buildings surrounding the lake — the court, district magistrates’ office, telephone office, the office of the superintendent of police, municipality office, bank — are responsible for the sound and water pollution. Birds have been forced to seek refuge at Lal Dighi near Bhabaniganj Bazar.

Flanked by shops on all sides, this hyacinth-filled lake seems to be a better option for the feathered visitors than the ear splitting slogans that rent the air at Sagar Dighi.

Divisional forest officer (wildlife) of Cooch Behar forest division Kalyan Das said: “Since the birds have taken refuge in Lal Dighi, we will take steps to ensure that they are not disturbed there.”