Migratory birds at risk in -pukhuri

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

SIVASAGAR, January 18: Every winter the historic district of Sivasagar with large man-made tanks plays host to thousands of migratory birds arriving mostly from the European coasts and Siberia.

However, environmentalists fear the threat of poaching may soon reduce the number of migratory birds.

Poaching of migratory birds continues ubated in -pukhuri at Rudrasagar this winter, ignoring the district administration's warning against killing and trapping of the winged guests.

According to sources, around 1,000 migratory birds have taken shelter in this tank daily since December . -pukhuri is located beside Shiv temple near Rudrasagar village.

A resident of the locality, on condition of anonymity, said migratory birds were being trapped or killed by some miscreants and they sell these birds at exorbitant prices ranging from Rs 300 to Rs500 per bird, thus earning a good amount.

Rupraj Baruah, president of Parivesh Suraksha Samittee, said thousands of birds migrate every year to Joysagar tank, Gaurisagar tank and -pukhuri in Sivasagar district during winter and many of the birds end up on the dining tables.

“The mece of poaching starts with the arrival of migratory birds. The forest department and the local police have miserably failed to curb the poaching mece around the tank,” he said, and demanded immediate steps to save the migratory birds and the environment as well.