Najafgarh marshlands once invited ornithologists to watch and study migratory bird species, but now they are slowly degrading due to encroachment by the locals for agricultural related activities.
Ecologist TK Roy said the oldest habitat for migratory birds is losing its grounds because of less rainfall and agrarian activities. “Wetlands are excellent rainwater harvesting sites but Najafagarh wetland area is shrinking due to fishing and construction activities near the lake,” said Roy.
“Wetlands are prominent habitat for birds and imperative for ecological system. During bird census this year it was found that population of both migratory and resident birds has decreased,” said Roy.
“Due to favourable environment conditions, resident birds used to come here for nesting and breeding while this season, birds have diverted their route to new adobe due to degradeing condition of this wetland,” Roy added.
Asian Water bird Census (AWC), an annual bird census, recorded that in 2014 the population of migratory birds stood at 3,314 and these birds were spotted at the downstream drain located beyond Dwarka and Chhwala.
According to Roy, in previous years, the population was good because human interference was less while this year AWC recorded total 38 different species and total population was reduced to 1,481.
This winter there were only 99 Black-Winged Stilt as compared to 326 last year. Only 11 Grey Herons were sighted this year as compared to 145 in 2015, while the population of Ruff was recorded at 24 this year in comparison to 73 last year.
Among the winter migratory birds, 221 Bar-Headed Geese were recorded this year while the population of Common Teal, the migratory birds from Central Asia stood at 633, Black-Tailed Godwit the migrants from North Asia were at 160. The popular Greater Flamingo population also came down to mere 52 this year.
Najafgarh area came to existence as an important wildlife habitat after a local naturalist studying the area during 1986 to 1989 called attention to it and recommending it to be conserved as a bird sanctuary.