As Gajapati district is situated at a very high altitude over the sea level, bitter cold is being felt here in the winter season. Similarly, it is surrounded by dense forests and mountains on every side. To enjoy the natural beauty, nature lovers as well as many migratory from outside the State and the country throng the district.
Their arrival enhances the beauty of nature. But a few unscrupulous poachers are rampantly hunting these birds. Due to menace of poachers, the number of migratory birds is decreasing. Poaching is increasing particularly in the areas having rivers, reservoirs and springs.
The poachers of the district and Andhra Pradesh are killing the birds and transporting the meat to Andhra Pradesh. The poachers are regularly poaching on the birds coming to Sitasagar, located on the outskirts of the town, Ramsagar Mahendra Tanya river banks , Gajapatisagar, Krushnasagar, Gandahati and many other water bodies.
Though the locals after coming to know about it are protesting, they are being brow beaten and threatened. As the bird meat is in high demand in the hotels in Andhra Pradesh, the poaching of birds is increasing by the day. The locals have demanded the administration, police and forest officials to take appropriate steps to stop the poaching.