POST NEWS NETWORK
Krushnaprasad, Nov 17: Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, is now abuzz with thousands of migratory birds from various parts of the world. With the advent of winter, birds of myriad species flow thousands of miles from Iraq, Iran, Ladakh and Siberia to evade the harsh winter. Sadly, the winged guests are on the target of local poachers, who are on the prowl to kill them.
Many birds have already fallen victims to the greed of poachers, despite measures being taken by the forest department, the police and the district administration.
Expressing their concern over the poaching activities, wildlife lovers demanded strict vigil on every nook and cranny of the lagoon and its periphery.
They alleged protective measures are being properly taken in every part of the lake due to which hundreds of birds are being trapped in snares (locally called Chhitikani) and killed by poachers on a daily basis. Even snares made of two to three bicycle spokes and threads are being sold in Krushnaprasad area. Reliable sources said a snare seller sells 10 to 20 pieces a day for anything between Rs 300 and Rs 500.
Wildlife activists claimed that sale of snares definitely points to the ongoing poaching activities in the area. They raised questions on the seriousness of the wildlife division and forest department in protecting the birds. Poached birds are being sold in Maulda area of this block, sources said.
Besides, poachers are selling the dead birds at some hotels and eateries at Satapada, a tourist hub, where meat of these birds has high demand.
Bird lovers and wildlife activists alleged poaching activities are taking places near Chilika-Nuapada range forest office. Strangely, the range officials have not woken up to such illegal activities, they alleged.
Bird expert Bhimsen Bitha condemned such illegal activities.
Range officer Gangadhar Sahu pleaded ignorance of poaching in the area. PNN