The National bird of India —Peacock — is thriving in the lush green landscapes of urban city of Chandigarh.

Even as the dwindling population of Indian Peafowl (peacock/peahen) remains a concern in neighboring States of Punjab and Haryana, its capital city—Chandigarh has become a pleasant abode to peacocks.

Mesmerising the city denizens, the Indian Peafowl has now become a common sight in several areas of the city.

According to the forest officials, the population of Indian Peafowl estimated at 920 in the year 2010 has crossed the count of 1500 in the forest areas here. During the census exercise conducted in the year 2010, Indian Peafowl were the second highest inhabitants in the forest areas here after Sambars which had a population of 1031.

After three years of the census exercise, the forest officials now estimate that the population of Indian Peafowl is likely to have crossed the count of 1500. Thanks to its peaceful forest areas and thick foliage of trees in sectors, the city offers a healthy environment to Indian Peafowl to thrive.

The ongoing birds' survey in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary has also ascertained that the population of Indian Peafowl is increasing in the city.

According to the ongoing birds' survey reports, Indian Peafowl is a common bird species found in the city. The report stated that Indian Peafowl is among eight birds species found in every part of the forest area covered during the survey. The forest areas of Nepli-Gagharia, Sukhna Reserved forest, Kansal loghut to dam (Barotiwala), Kansal Gagiana (Kansal), Kansal Central Sect to meme wala Chow (Kansal), Nature Trail Nepli (Nepli), Nathewala areas in Sukhna's catchment has a good population of Indian Peafowl.

The survey also stated that the population of Indian Peafowl is evenly distributed throughout the forest area in the city.

Chandigarh also has a Peacock Park in Sector 39 which is inhabited by over 30 Indian Peafowl. Besides, the sectors and villages here adjoining forest areas also have a large number of Indian Peafowl.

The Indian national bird is struggling to survive in neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana. In the past, several incidents of death of Indian Peafowl have been reported from both the states. Poaching and use of pesticides in the fields remains the major cause of plummeting peacock population in the neighboring States.

Witnessing sudden spurt in peacock deaths, these states has also initiated peacock breeding and conservation projects.

While talking to The Pioneer, Narbir Singh, an environment enthusiast and vice-president of Avian Habitat and Wetland Society (AHWS) said, "During the ongoing survey, eight species including Indian Peafowl were found in every part of the forest area covered. The Indian Peafowl is thriving well in the forest areas here."

Narbir, who is also a part of survey team said, "The population of Indian Peafowl is evenly distributed throughout the forest area in the city."

Survey springs up surprises

So far, over 200 species of birds have been spotted in the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and its catchment area in the ongoing one year long birds' survey. Fourteen very common birds' species were found in the forest areas of Chandigarh. These include Indian Robin, Honey Buzzard, little Grebe, Spangled Drongo, Blue Whisling Thrush, little Cormorant among others. 

Eight avian species are sighted for the first time in the forest area in and around Chandigarh during the survey. The new avian inhabitants are little term (Sterna albifrons), Savanna Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis), Paddyfield Warbler (Acrocephalus agricola), Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis), Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon), Desert Warbler (Sylvia nana), Yellow-browed Tit (Slyviparus modestus) and Wedge-tailed green pigeon (Treron sphenura) that are breeding in the lush green landscapes of the region. The survey also confirmed that seven bird species including State bird of Chandigarh-Indian Grey Hornbill-are thriving in the city reflecting its adaptability to the novel surroundings of the city. Other flourishing resident avian species include Shikras, Black Ibis, Common Babbler, Barbets, Purple Sunbirds. Besides, the population of Indian Mynas is increasing rapidly in Chandigarh.