According to a report published in the Indian Express, fewer birds are now migrating to Chandigarh.
- The Chandigarh Bird Club (CBC), conducts bird count twice in a year; first in February when the migratory birds were all set to leave for their homelands and second in November, when the arrival of migratory birds is considered to be completed.
- As per the November census, 98 species in 2018, 91 species in 2017, 86 species in 2019, and 77 species in 2020 were suggested respectively. In February, 2021, 27 bird species of waterfowl were spotted while the total count of birds was 368. In the 2020 bird race, 28 species were spotted and total bird count was 734. In the 2018 bird race, 31 waterfowl species were observed, with the total bird count being 850, says the report.
What are the reasons behind decreasing numbers of migratory birds?
- The change in the pattern of cropping
- Increasing water level: A majority of waterfowl especially migratory birds prefer shallow water bodies for easy availability of food. But the water level in Sukhna Lake is increasing.
- Unregulated human activities
- Contractual fishing
- Cultivation of water chestnuts.
(Reference: Indian Express)
