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A proposal to declare Sagardighi and its surrounding area as a silence zone is under consideration of Cooch Behar district administration. The beautiful Sagardighi is a large pond that was dug in the regime of Maharajas as a source of drinking water. Major government offices and courts are situated on its banks. Migratory birds too prefer the large waterbed of Sagardighi in winter. But their number started decreasing since the past few years. As it is located centrally in the town the noise of motor vehicles, loudspeakers and crowd is making the place aloof for the winged guests, environmentalists believe.
Secretary of nature and adventure study group (NASG), Mr Arup Guha said the migratory birds started coming to Sagardighi since 1980. At the earlier days locals killed many of them for their meat. Later, it was stopped with active co-operation of the administration. A ban was imposed on killing of the avians. The a resulted in a big boost for birds coming to the place.
Observing the decrease in number of the birds a few years ago the NASG had submitted a proposal to the administrative authorities to consider declaring the vicinity of Sagardighi a silence zone. Horn of motor vehicles, public gatherings and use of loudspeakers on the banks of the pond and practice of swimming and fishing in its water made the situation unbearable for the birds and they did not come to the place, Mr Guha said.
During construction of a new stadium at nearby Cooch Behar Palace complex a few old rain-trees were uprooted. These trees provided the birds shelter during the night. Fishing from the pond also made the situation difficult for the birds because the fishes were their foods, Mr Guha said.
The NASG secretary opined that it is impossible to boost the tourism in this region without the migratory birds. Visitors get delighted to see them. But, government vigilance and strict measures are needed to keep these winged guests here. At Rasik-bil in Tufanganj too the number of these guests are decreasing due to lack of fish in the water-body, he claimed.
Some of the migratory birds that come to Sagardighi are identified as Lesser Whistling Piel and Mallard. They come from far away Siberia. This year a very small flock of them came to Sagardighi. Mr Guha fears that in near future no birds may come here if necessary measures are not taken soon.
Cooch Behar ADM (D), Mr Pannalal Mahapatra said they are considering the proposal to declare the Sagardighi area as a silence zone to retain the presence of the seasonal guests.

Courtesy: The Statesman

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