Birds give Okhla sanctuary a miss | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Birds give Okhla sanctuary a miss

Hindustan Times | ByHamari Jamatia, New Delhi
Nov 19, 2011 10:46 PM IST

The water body used to be filled with birds by this time, say conservationists.

With winters still playing hide-and-seek with the city, migratory birds are skipping Okhla Bird Sanctuary, a one-of-its-kind park in Delhi.

Generally, birds start flocking to the water body from the end of October but due to absence of conducive temperatures, there has been a dip in bird numbers, say conservationists.

While plenty of grey-legged geese, black-tailed godwits, coots and spoon bills have arrived, species such as the flamingo, crested poachers, garganey, tufted duck and northern pintail are yet to be spotted.

HT Image
HT Image

"There are nearly 15-20 species of birds that travel from outside to the sanctuary. Usually, by this time of the year, the water body is filled with birds. But this year, it is relatively empty," said Tarun Roy, conservationist and Delhi state coordinator of Wetlands International, South Asia.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In October, the water body had dried up to a large extent and had also led to a decrease in the number of birds. After weeks of dryness, on Diwali, the barrages released Yamuna's water into the sanctuary solving the problem of water but adding to the murkiness.

"Several birds were seen but some must have left after seeing the dirty water. But there are still many birds that have come and bird lovers have also started coming again in good numbers," said JM Banerjee, the Range Officer of the sanctuary.

Half of the water body falls in Uttar Pradesh and the rest falls in Delhi.

While the UP area is cleaner, the other half is filled with dirty water with some shores spotting dead fishes.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On