Mohali: Mote Majra battles water pollution, wildlife enthusiasts worried

Gaurav Kanthwal

Mohali, February 19

Wildlife enthusiasts and Mote Majra residents are concerned about the increasing water pollution in its wetland area. The area is one of the biggest watering hole for migratory birds which come from as far as Central Asia and Siberia.

Scores of migratory bird species land here every winter season and stay till February-March before heading back home. The pond at Mote Majra is the most important undeclared wetland in the region. However, due to its proximity with the human inhabitation, the water body is facing sewage disposal from nearby villages and agricultural surface water run-off. Wildlife enthusiasts fear that the ground water quality and aquatic life was at stake here.

“When the pond is given on contract for commercial activities, contractors and others shoo away birds and or sometimes indulge in hunting. When not leased or on contract, the pond has no takers for cleanliness and care,” they said.

On Feb 18, a joint nature photo walk was organised by the NGO Social Substance with Natural Biodiversity, NSS state open unit, UT Administration and Planet Green Society. Hundreds of kilograms organic, plastic waste was removed from the pond by volunteers.

Wildlife enthusiast Anmol Arora said, “We found carcasses of cat fish and black headed turtles while cleaning the 25-acre pond in the village.”

“Villagers have been made aware of the cause. Community awareness is much needed. The local administration has to step up to conserve the water body,” said Arun Bansal of NGO Natural Biodiversity. Mote Majra residents said, “A new road has been planned close to the water body which will have adverse implications for the migratory birds.”

New bird species spotted every year

Bird enthusiasts said every year one or two new species come here, besides regular visitors. This year barnacle geese has been spotted by Chandigarh birder Lalit Mohan Bansal of Natural Diversity. Bar-headed geese, gadwell, common coot, grey heron, crested grebe, red pochard, northern shoveler, greater white-fronted goose, Eurasian wigeon, greylag goose, pintail ducks and cormorants are frequent visitors.