Naraj new destination for winged guests

Cuttack: Naraj has become a new destination for migratory birds coming from far-flung places because of availability of food in large quantity and calm water.

Birds from as far as Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Central and Southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas which flock several wetlands of Odisha including Chilika are have also been spotted at the

They fly from and arrive in Naraj with the onset of winter and go back by March end.

Ananth Sahu, a local said, "Like Chilika migratory birds roam around Naraj without facing any troubles."

Buddhadeb Tarai, another local stated, "Calmness and still water here provide a conducive environment to the winged guests."

Environmentalists have spotted around 20 bird species in Naraj.

"If forest department creates awareness among locals about birds, more winged guests would arrive in Naraj," suggested environmentalist Biswajit Mohanty.