The state forest department has decided to put a complete ban on the use of plastics and loudspeakers by revellers in all the wetlands and sanctuaries across north Bengal to provide a placid environment for migratory birds in the region.

The forest authorities have decided to strictly impose the ban on these two irritants as the picnic season is round the corner and the noise from loudspeakers and plastic trash not only disturb the birds, but can also be hazardous to them.

The wetlands and sanctuaries are winter homes to the migratory birds from far and wide.

“Both loudspeakers and plastics are real threat to the birds. Which is why we have banned both the items in all the wetlands across north Bengal,” said Ujjwal Ghosh, the chief conservator of forest, Wildlife North.

The wetlands of north Bengal like Rashik Beel, Nararthali Beel, Chukchuki in Garumara, Fulbari and Gajoldoba are frequented by migratory birds like Rudi Shell Duck, Common Morgan Jar, Northern Pintail, Spot-billed Duck, Common Pochard, Red-crested Pochard and different kinds of lapwings.

Surveys have found that a good number of species do not come to the wetlands of North Bengal because of water and sound pollution. They prefer a calm and quiet environment.

The picnickers, however, are generally known to create a nuisance in the wetlands and sanctuaries by blasting loud music and littering the place. “We had imposed a restriction on picnickers at Rashik Beel last year, but there will a complete ban on loudspeakers and plastics this year,” said Biman Biswas, the divisional forest officer of Cooch Behar Forest Division.

The forest department also plans to carry out a bird census across north Bengal from the middle of January.

Animesh Bose of the Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation, however, was sceptical of the effectiveness of the ban given that the people are loath to heed such orders.