Repeated human interference at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary in Noida has rendered several species of migratory birds homeless, forcing them to find a new habitat. The unavailability of water from the Okhla Barrage until a few weeks ago and the recent Chhath Puja have left the park devoid of any winged visitors.
Just when the nearly-parched sanctuary was revived, with the UP Irrigation Department finishing its repair work at the Okhla Barrage and releasing water, the recent encroachment by devotees to perform Chhath Puja in the sanctuary forced the birds to abandon the place. The sanctuary, which usually attracts over 30 species of migratory birds in November alone, is currently home to none. The sanctuary, where noise and human population is regulated so as not to disturb the birds and other creatures residing there, was literally turned into a ‘ghat’ on the days of Chhath Puja with thousands of devotees flocking to the park to worship the Sun god.
“On November 9, scores of worshippers came inside the sanctuary to perform Chhath Puja for which they need a water body. Not only was the fresh water in the park polluted by their offerings, but they also burst crackers early in the morning which forced all the birds to flee,” said TK Roy, ecologist and environmentalist.
The incident clearly reflects the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities who were on the defensive about the issue. “Apart from our officials, two policemen were deployed in the sanctuary on the day of Chhath. But, the crowd was huge and they did not enter the sanctuary from the main gate. They let themselves into the park through Gate Number 2 which is towards Mayur Vihar Phase II. However, we have taken notice of the issue and will take necessary measures next time,” an official said.
Unfortunately, all the merry-making during Diwali and Chhath Puja in the Capital came at the cost of other inhabitants of the city. Following the noise, air and water pollution from crackers and religious rituals, nearly a dozen species of migratory birds have abandoned the sanctuary looking for a more habitable place.
Birds like Northern Shoveler, Graylag Goose, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Brown-headed Gulls, Black-headed Gulls and Coots which flew into the sanctuary from Siberia, and North and Central Asia have all left the park heading towards the Surajpur Bird Sanctuary in Greater Noida and the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary in Gurgaon.
“After Diwali a smog was hanging over the city and visibility was low. This was because of the air pollution caused by the hazardous gases released during the bursting of firecrakers. The climate plays a very important role in migration of birds. Sadly, there are none left in the sanctuary now,” Roy said. Birds like Common Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Temmincks’ Stint and Eurasian Spoonbill which thrive only on water have also left the place due to water pollution after the Chhath festivities.
November 1 onwards, the parched Okhla Bird Sanctuary got a new lease of life with fresh water from the Yamuna gushing into the park. Nearly a dozen species of migratory as well as water birds had returned to the sanctuary then. However, by November 10, officials failed to find even a single species of such birds.
“After the intervention of the UP Wildlife Department, the UP Irrigation Department was forced to complete its repair works at the Okhla Barrage nearly 15 days before schedule. Hence, the wetland came back to life only to witness another disaster,” Roy added. With the fall in pollution levels, nearly three species of migratory birds (in substantially smaller groups) have returned to the sanctuary now.