Puri registers rise in migratory birds this year

Puri: Around 58,000 migratory birds flocked to various mangroves and riverbeds in Puri district this year marking a rise of 13,000 winged visitors as compared to last year.

As per a report of the bird census undertaken by the Puri Forest Division across the district, over 13,000 more birds have been spotted in the sea beach area, mangroves and other water bodies in the region as compared to last year.

Puri DFO Harshavardhan Udgata said mass awareness, support from locals and punishment for bird hunters have helped rise in the number of the winged guests in the district.

On the other hand, environmentalists alleged that the census report contains false information as it has exaggerated the number of migratory birds. Meanwhile, bird lovers opined that the number could further rise if steps are taken to spread awareness in the society.

As many as 25 teams were constituted to participate in the census for the head count of birds. “We have sighted many species this year. Sea beach area, mangroves and other water bodies in the district have been covered. Over 55 species have been sighted in Brahmagiri and 27 species of winged guests have been traced in Devi river bed,” Udgata added.