Bhubaneswar: Our environment is known by its avian population. Birds are recognised as one of the most important indicators of the state of the environment. Any change in environment, affects the birds first. Changes in the bird populations are often the first indication of environmental problems. “It is important to document birds and their activities in a habitat regularly to understand the changes that are happening in the eco system, said noted birdwatcher,” Panchami Manoo Ukil at one of the sessions of Tata Steel Bhubaneswar Literary Meet here on Sunday.
“In my growing up years, in the 1970s and 80s, sparrows were living in our home and garden. But after 20 years, the sparrows were completely wiped out from the city. Obviously we have done something wrong that sparrows did not feel safe to live or to remain in Bhubaneswar city,” she added.
“I have also noticed that apart from sparrows, we have also lost many other species of birds gradually,” said Panchami. She also said, “Being interested in birds, I used to follow the activities of birdwatchers of other states. Motivated by them, I started organising Bhubaneswar Bird Walks here in the city. I started bird photo walks in Bhubaneswar in March, 2012 to document the birds.
“Though Odisha is rich in birds, not many people are aware of the fact. Bird species like Forest Owlet, which is now found at one place in Maharashtra and the Great Indian Bustard, on the verge of extinction were all found in Odisha. These two birds are now highly endangered. Only about 50 great Indian Bustard are left in India now,” said ornithologist and writer Bikram Grewal, while moderating the session on ‘The State of Birds’.
The great ornithologist, Samuel Richard Tickell was born at Cuttack. He has written a lot on birds. Unfortunately, Odisha has forgotten him, Grewal added.
“I have seen one of the rarest pigeons in the world, pale-capped pigeon (Columba Punicea), on the verge of extinction, at Ekamra Kanan in Nayapalli here with help of Panchami,” said Grewal.
“We had spotted flock of pale-capped pigeons at Ekamra Kanan during our bird walk three years back. We have requested the Chief Minister of Odisha to consider the pale-capped pigeon, as the state bird of Odisha,” said Panchami.
“When you focus on vulnerable species on the verge extinction, you should take more measures for its conservation. It should get more attention. But it has not happened yet,” she added.
Cuttack-based wildlife photographer Avinash Khemka, has been documenting the habitat of the birds of Odisha as well as the people of Mangalajodi wetlands. Recently, he organised a photo exhibition on Mangalajodi.
“I started photography in January, 2012. One of the boatmen in Chilika said to me that if you want to see birds, then go to Mangalajodi. Then I explored it,” said Avinash.
“Nature is important for our survival. To ensure continuity, we should document nature and wildlife and also create awareness,” he added. Panchami said, “We are losing forests worldwide. We are destroying the wetlands. I don’t know after how much destruction are we going to understand to save the nature.”
“There is a man in Assam who has created a forest single handedly in a span of 10 years. I believe each of us should be conscious about conservation to reduce destruction,” she added.
The experts said that school and college students and young minds should be engaged in conservations. They should understand the importance of nature and wildlife.
“Think before clearing a bush. There could be a nest. How will we feel if our house is destroyed with a bulldozer? In the same way, how can we destroy the shelter of birds and insects? They have equal rights. The young masses should understand this,” said Avinash.
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