Winged guests flock to Mandi water bodies

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, December 30

Migratory birds from across the globe are flocking to Mandi district during the winter season. A major attraction for nature lovers, most of these have arrived here from Siberia, China, Tibet and European countries.

These birds have made the Beas and few other water reservoirs their habitat. Ensuring their safety has become the biggest issue for Forest Department officials as poaching incidents in the district increase during winter season.

The Forest Department has identified a few birds as Ruddy Shelduck, Siberian stonechat, Common Sandpiper, Tufted Duck, Citrine Wagtail, Little Cormorant, Greylag goose, Whiskered tern, Great Cormorant, red-wattled lapwing, Common Shelduck, Wood Sandpiper, Oriental Darter, Pond Heron and Ashy crowned sparrow lark.

Official sources said these birds stayed here between December and February after weather turns unfit for survival at their places of origin.

To protect these birds from poachers, the Forest Department authorities have decided to keep a strict vigil on offenders and take legal action against them.

They have also sought local residents’ cooperation in checking poaching, urging them to inform nearby forest officials if they found anyone involved in such illegal activity.

Narender Saini, a nature lover and social activist in Mandi town, said the arrival of migratory birds amplified the beauty of the place. It was everyone’s responsibility to ensure their safety.

“Poaching is common in Mandi district, where offenders get active during winter season,” he added.

Divisional Forest Officer SS Kashyap said, “To ensure their protection, the department has deployed its teams at key locations near water bodies to keep a tab on poachers.”

“People have been urged to keep a check on poaching in their area and inform the department if they notice anyone engaged in the illicit activity,” he added.