The news of hundreds of migratory birds’ death at Sukhsagar in Udaipur with accompanying photographs that hit the headlines, shocked the entire state. The news was also taken seriously in the entire country with several media outlets giving details of the incident. In Udaipur it was not only shock but also a tinge of shame that engulfed the citizens. It was now widely believed that the birds –identified as ‘Swamphens’, a sort of cousins of the White Breasted water-hen ( a ka Dahuk) were killed in a planned manner using some poisonous chemicals by unscrupulous bird poachers.
Many well meaning citizens of Udaipur also came out in open condemning the incident and many took to their social media handles to express agonies and pain for the killings.
The carcasses of the birds were sent to the District Disease Investigation Laboratory of Gomati District but the Lab could not do anything due to putrefaction that had already set in. As such exact cause of the death could not ascertained as yet.
“These birds come here at Sukhasagar every year during this winter season from upper Himalayan region to escape the cold there. This was the phenomenon for the last few years”, said an animal husbandry department officials.
“Now, after this year’s massacre the birds are unlikely to fly down here anymore. The birds have some sort of unexplained neuro- transmitting capabilities that help them find the exact routes, resting places and destinations as they flock in from a long, long distance. And the guidance is done collectively. Now after the deaths of so many birds they will not be able to find the route next time and the loss of their so many winged brothers in a particular place will also scare them off. They will not going to take any chance”, he said adding that almost a similar incident had taken place at Lake Choumuhani area some years ago- and after the the migratory birds stopped arriving at Dim Sagar.
In the meantime, forest department launched an awareness campaign in Udaipur asking the people to be sensitive and caring for these winged guests. Their visits are also required for scientific studies to determine the environmental purity, pollution freeness , supportive eco systems etc of the particular region where they come to spend their time during winter. (Courtesy: Tripura Times)