Bird population at Punjab’s Ropar wetland down by 50% in 3 years, Centre replies in Rajya Sabha

The reply was in response to a question by Rajya Sabha member Satnam Singh Sandhu who sought to know “whether the government is aware of the declining bird species diversity and declining summer breeding in Punjab”.

The details mentioned by the environment ministry show that the count of birds at Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary also witnessed steady decline from 4,553 in 2020 to 3,531 in 2023. In 2021 and 2022, the count of birds at Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary was 3,797 and 3,325, respectively.

While the Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary witnessed a steady decline in the bird population from 2020 to 2023, at Ropar Wetland Conservation Reserve, the bird count in 2023 slightly improved to 1,764 after hitting a low of 1,467 in 2022. In 2021, the bird count at Ropar Reserve was 3,447, down from 3,808 in 2020.

As per the details, the number of species of the birds also witnessed a decline at Ropar Reserve from 56 in 2020 to 43 in 2023. In 2021 and 2022, the number of species at Ropar were 52 and 44, respectively.

At Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary, the number of species of birds in 2020 and 2023 remained same at 33, witnessing an increase at 41 in 2021 as compared to 2020, followed by decline next year in 2022 when 39 species were recorded.

Punjab Chief Wildlife Warden Dharminder Sharma told The Indian Express that the declining trend in population of birds is not just limited to Ropar and Nangal, but is seen across the country.

“It is very complex science. For instance, it is always uncertain which water body migratory birds prefer to go. The birds have strange ways of choosing wetlands and factors may include how much is the availability of the water at any particular site. Several other factors also impact the migration of birds. For instance, migratory patterns of birds may have changed due to Russia’s war (with Ukraine) and Israel (Hamas) war. During the Afghanistan war, the migratory birds changed their route. The explosions, bombardments and the loud sounds during the war may impact the migration pattern of the birds. If less migratory birds come, decline in breeding and population is but natural,” Sharma added.

MP Sandhu also sought the details of the steps taken by the government to protect diversity and enhance the breeding rate in Punjab and to protect Ramsar sites in Punjab.

Listing the important steps taken for protection of diversity and enhancing the breeding rate in Punjab, the reply read, “in Punjab, three major wetlands Harike, Kanjali and Ropar are recognised as important bird areas and these areas harbour several threatened and congregatory species of birds including vulnerable species like Ferruginous Duck, Pallas’s Fishing Eagle, Black-bellied Tern, Greater Spotted Eagle, Indian Skimmer and near threatened avian species like Oriental Darter, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, White-backed vulture and Long-billed vulture.”

“Removal of invasive floating vegetation i.e., water hyacinth has been done from Ramsar site wetlands like Harike and Kanjali to improve the growth of native aquatic vegetation in the wetlands.”

The MoS further said six Ramsar sites of Punjab have been designated as ‘Protected Areas’ under WildLife (Protection) Act, 1972 to emphasise protection and conservation of wildlife. The National Wetland Committee is implementing a National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic ecosystems (NPCA) for conservation and management of wetlands in the country on a cost sharing basis between central government and respective state governments. “It aims at holistic conservation and restoration of wetlands including lakes for achieving the desired water quality enhancement, besides improvement in biodiversity and ecosystems through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach,” the reply said.

“State Wetland Authority of Punjab functions as an apex body for integrated management of wetlands and District Level Wetland Management Committees have been constituted under its jurisdiction for coordination, development and management of wetlands at the ground level.”
Commenting on the reply, MP Sandhu in a written statement said the ecology of Punjab and its ecosystem are quite prosperous and lively, with many patches acting as breeding destinations for various animals. He lauded the Centre for steps taken towards conservation of wetlands in the state.

“It is a matter of pride that the number of wetlands of international importance nominated by India under the Ramsar Convention in 1990 is six in Punjab. Seeing the sensitivity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards climate change, I am optimistic that the central government will keep taking steps for the conservation of wetlands in Punjab,” he said.