MINTU DESHWARA

Although flocks of birds could be seen roaming around the watchtower of Baikka Beel once upon a time, presently, the numbers have drastically reduced.

Experts say the count has been declining for the past 20 years, and it will continue to decline, thanks to pollution and other man-made problems.

Baikka beel fish sanctuary is a wetland in Sreemangal. In 2003, the land ministry declared it a protected wetland. Last year, 10,618 waterfowls were recorded in the census. However, it has come down to 3,230, informed ornithologist Enam Ul Haque, Bangladesh Bird Club founder.

Enam, who led the survey, said, “Road and house construction and fish farming have drastically increased around the beel. Fish and insect habitats are getting destroyed and birds are being deprived of food.”

Minnat Ali, Bara Gangina Resource Management Organisation’s secretary, said due to illegal settlement around the beel, birds pass through but don’t stay.

Contacted, DFO Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, “I was present during the census. The number is indeed lower. This may be due to the temperature being higher.”