Experts fear that soaring temperature might affect the turnout of migratory birds.
Migratory birds have arrived here at Sirpur lake wetland to escape from bitter temperature but with temperature soaring six degrees Celsius above normal this winter, the heat seems to a bit too much.
Experts fear that if the temperature does not go down soon, the birds might not return next year.
Sirpur Lake provides a shelter to over 100 species of resident and migrant birds for next three months of winter. Around 4,000 birds from Siberia, Afghanistan, Nepal, Magnolia, Bay of Bengal, Himalayan and European boundaries have arrived here, so far.
Around 15,000-20,000 birds are expected to come here by December 15 for spending winter days till February next year.
“The birds love to spend 8-9 hours taking sun bath in the favourable atmosphere here in the Birds Sanctuary that is only dedicated to them,” said The Nature Volunteer’s President, Bhalu Mondhe.
Indore recorded a minimum temperature of 16.6 degree Celsius and maximum 27.4 degree Celsius. The minimum temperature is higher by six degree Celsius as compared to normal temperature by this time of the year, met department sources said.
Mondhe feels that this weather condition is temporary. “Winter has already arrived in Delhi.
Snowfall is recorded in the Himalayan range and temperature will go down soon,” he said.
Many species of birds including Coot, Common Teals and Whistling Teals extend their stay here as the lake also serves as breeding ground for them.
The ‘birds’ sanctuary’ is spread in around 600 acres of land and out of this, around 200 acres area is occupied by water making a favourable place for immigrant birds. The bird watcher has to complete a walk of around 1.3 kilometres from main gate to reach the watching point and vice-versa.
“This span of winter season witnesses a flock of migrant and resident birds of around 110 species including the Common Coot, the Eurasian Wigeon, the Purple Moorhen, the Pintail, the Pond Heron, the Cattle Egret, the Kingfisher, the Rose Ringed Parakeets, the Cormorants, the Large Billed (Jungle) Crow, the Drongo, the Grey Hornbill, Purple Heron, Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Kingfisher, Eurasian Wigeon, Cormorant,” said Mondhe.
Over the last few years, IMC has succeeded to develop the lake in a way that can attract more and more birds. “The civic body has banned fishing, farming and has also removed bricks manufacturing units. Besides, many encroachments have also been removed from its boundary.
We keep a close vigil in the area to check garbage menace,” said an IMC official wishing anonymity.
The civic body has deployed a staff of around 30 people including guards, gardeners and security persons to protect the 600-acre area of Sirpur Lake.
Besides, the civic body along with social and education institutions run sapling plantation drive that help to increase greenery to attract the birds. Around 3,000 saplings have been planted here throughout the year.
“We have planted the saplings of mango, blue berry, tamarind, Neem, banyan etc. The greenery of the area has multiplied in last few years,” added the official.
IMC mulls to open canteen on outskirts
A small library is there in the catchment area that displays maps of the area along with information regarding the birds and environment.
The civic body is contemplating to open a canteen somewhere on the outskirts of the lake. Presently, there is no facility of drinking water/food inside the ‘Birds Sanctuary’.
Besides, IMC is likely to launch a drive to remove encroachments erected in Prajapat Nagar that is adjacent to the lake.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}