Bhubaneswar: Arachandi’s wetlands in the Cuttack district, which attracts more than 100 species of birds migrating every winter, hit the lack of facilities that have hampered its development as the purpose of observing birds and tourism, conservationists and visitors.
Spread 1.2 Km Square, including the water and agricultural land, provides significant habitat for birds.
Most wetlands are silent and free of human intervention that have helped in developing unique bird diversity.
Species commonly seen during the winter including North Pintail, North Shovel, Wigeon Eurasia, Pygmy Stork, Comb Bebek, Camp, Gray-headed Lapwing, General Shots, Ruddy Shelduck, Pochard Crested-Crested, Pochard General, Gray Heron and Purple Heron .
“Arachandi’s wetland has the potential to be a good birding destination.
However, it needs some basic facilities in terms of infrastructure development, proper sanitation, boating and running lines around the lake, which will facilitate bird observations,” said Aloke Pattnik, a doctor and Diligent bird observer.
Local said there was also a threat of hunter and they demanded the right protection for the winged guests from the forestry department.
“We have taken steps for the protection of migration birds with the help of community members and local villagers.
If the Department of Forest and Tourism provides support for the protection and promotion of the place, it can be the main goal for bird lovers,” said Lalit Mohan Panda, The Secretary of the Tourism Center and Rural Development, a voluntary organization engaged in the protection of birds on wetlands.
Like 57 trainee range officers from the College of Training Rangers Forest, Angul, recently visited Arachandi to study birds.
“Various kinds of birds and many species of migration in one place are amazing.
We learn how we can do a census of birds and identify them.
This is an extraordinary learning and sightseeing process for us,” said Shailesh Yadav, a Ranger forest Trainee from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh.