Pesticides a threat to feathered guests

SILIGURI, Nov. 13. - There has been a sharp drop in the number of migratory birds arriving in North Bengal's lakes and waterbodies, thanks to the efforts of pisciculturists to drive them away in an effort to save fish.

Though ornithologists say that the gradual decline in the number of migratory birds is a global phenomenon, a recent survey shows that birds have been threatened by the increased use of pesticides and fertilisers in agricultural lands and tea gardens. According to a survey undertaken by the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), migratory birds in North Bengal are in danger of being constantly exposed to chemical fertilisers and pesticides used in tea gardens.

The excessive use of chemical pesticides in agricultural lands had claimed the lives of a large number of migratory birds and peacocks in Rajasthan a couple of years ago when the state was experiencing its fifth consecutive drought. The SACON survey, which was carried out in 258 wetlands in the country, shows that birds in North Bengal are threatened by the increased use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers.

Out of 258 wetlands, 21 are in North Bengal, covering more than 3,500 hectares. These are regularly visited by more than 200 species of migratory birds, said an ornithologist based in North Bengal. SACON director Mr VS Vijayan said that the decline in the bird population of the region was a clear indication of alarming ecological changes. If this problem was not addressed immediately, the bird population in the entire North-east region would gradually go down, he said.

Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) sources said that the survival of migratory as well as other birds was under threat. According to IBCN official and ornithologist Mr M Kulshrestha, a sharp reduction in the number of local and migratory birds was a threat to the region's bio-diversity.

The report said there has been a 50 per cent reduction in the population of Pintail in the past few years in Rasikbill, one of the largest wetlands in Cooch Behar. Mr Animesh Bose, a member of the survey committee, expressed concern over the steep decline in the number of migratory birds which regularly visit the Jalpaiguri wetlands. Such birds include the Adjutant Stork, the Osprey and the Greater Spotted Eagle.

IBCN sources said that the Common Woodshirik, the White-bellied Drango, the Indian Tripai, the Blossom-headed Parakeet, the Crophesent, the Nightjar, the Green Pheasant, the Woodpecker, the Coloured Scopsowl, the Sikra and the Copper Smith were some of the rare birds which had already become fewer in number in the region.

Mr R Sood, an amateur bird-watcher, said the decline in the population of birds in North Bengal, particularly in Jalpaiguri, was a severe threat to the region's bio-diversity. He felt a nationwide initiative should be immediately taken to counter this threat. Some ornithologists suggest that the government should step in to stop unauthorised pesticides from being sold.

Courtesy
The Statesman

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