Birds migrate with the change of seasons. Asian region of the Northern Hemisphere is home to a large variety of birds. In particular, Siberia and Mongolia with vast wetlands have been age-old sanctuaries for birds. National Geographic has successfully documented many of them and in their colourful moods. It is a treat to see thousands of birds flocking to and pegging on wetlands. They depict nature in its exuberant and beautiful form. Though closely linked to water bodies, the birds have strange sense of migrating to warmer sanctuaries and wetlands as harsh winter comes to their original habitats. The puzzling thing is how these birds sensed there would be warmer wetlands down south in Asian continent to which they would migrate during harsh winter months. Further, how interesting that year after year and generation after generation, these migratory birds have been sticking to the track that takes them far south to the Indian sub-continent. Obviously it is their sixth sense that guides them along long and high altitude flights all the way from Siberia and Mongolia or the Great Steppes over the lofty Himalayas and then find sanctuaries in the oasis in Rajasthan deserts close to lakes and wetlands. How long have these Northern Hemispheric visitors been coming to our country nobody knows? The older and aged among the flocks are the guides and pioneers who conduct the flight of thousands of their ilk to distant lands. Bird watchers say that these species fly at very high altitude and cover almost a thousand miles in one day. Imagine the strength in their wings and the power of their lungs that they can fly so high and so fast.
Amidst various warm wetland sanctuaries in our country, by some strange coincidence, seven or eight years ago these birds chose the vicinity of Gharana village wetlands as their winter home. Why and how did they do that may remain a mystery. Obviously their avant guard might have conducted silent survey and then reported back to the community. As their winter sojourn to Gharana wetland became a regular feature, people in the area and around began taking fancy with them for their colourful wings, beaks, movements and body language. Kids in particular are amused to watch the birds. But these uninvited guests did not have even an iota of fear in choosing the Gharana wetland for their winter sport and sustenance. They are faced with problem and the problem is partly man made. This winter much less of these flocks are seen especially the Bar Head Geese which is considered a rare specie. The birds are eating up or damaging the wheat crop in the adjoining fields which causes damage to the poor farmers. Shooting the birds is prohibited under Wide Life Act but scaring away the birds particularly when they are causing damage to the crops is not illegal. The villagers have adopted indigenous methods of scaring them away. They burst crackers that cause disturbance to the birds and force them to leave the place. But the birds do not leave in singles or doubles; they leave en bloc. This is a strange situation that needs attention from concerned quarters. The Gharana area was notified and internationally recognized as Wetland Preserve under proclamation in 1981. An area of 200 acres had to be demarcated for this purpose so that no human trespassing takes place and the sanctuary is exclusively left to the migratory birds. The Wild Life Department cannot take its possession. The state government has not demarcated the area under discussion during past three decades and thus the people in the locality have got away with the impression that they can chase away the birds at their free by coming close to them which can endanger their existence. The government will have to address both the issues. First, it should immediately order demarcation of the identified wetland and ensure that there is no trespassing. Second, it should find a way either to pay compensation to the farmers for damaged crops whether these are insured or not or alternatively advise the farmers to shift to cultivating such crops as would not become feed for the migratory birds. It is a national loss that the birds would abandon Gharana sanctuary for all times. These flocks, as has been said, comprise some of the rarest species of birds known to us and we should not lose them. We should even think of ways how to increase their numbers and visits to Gharana Wetland sanctuary.
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