JABALPUR, January 23: In gross violation of the Animal and Wildlife Protection Act, migratory birds like red crested pochards are being mercilessly hunted by poachers in the region.These birds leave the sub-zero climes of northern parts of western Asia and Baluchistan for the comparatively warmer central and northern Indian region. Jabalpur marks the end point of their southward journey.According to Udit Patel, a nature lover and secretary of Jabalpur Nature Society, a few decades back, Jabalpur was one of the chosen abode for the migratory birds, because of the natural surroundings and 64 big, small natural wetlands and lakes.In course of time, almost all of them were encroached upon and now only a few of them are left to provide shelter to the birds. Apart from red crested pochards, coots, pintailed ducks from central western Asia could also be seen in the Sangram Sagar Lake here.Jabalpur attracts some more species of migratory birds such as blue rock thrush, cotton teals, common cranes from as far as Siberia, Arctic region and Himalayan ranges. According to experts, these birds are endowed with sharp memory and never return to the same place if subjected to hunting.The migratory birds usually reach this part of the world at the onset of winter and leave by the end of February. Disturbed by the noise of gunfire, a flock of 100 red crested pochards birds has started leaving the place earlier than usual.It is feared that with the encroachment of wetlands and mindless destruction of habitats, their migration is likely to become a rare phenomenon. Patel feels that efforts should be made on a war-footing to preserve the wetlands and remaining lakes in and outside the city.
