Flutter over bird census

A team of 53 bird-watchers from across the country have completed the first-ever census of winged visitors at the Harike wetland near here, and have put the number at "up to 79,500". But, the initiative is not without its fair share of controversies. A certain quarter of bird-watchers and scientists has raised eyebrows over the authenticity of the report. The experts argue that the census cannot be termed scientific as there was no scientist on the census committee. The Department of Wildlife claims the methods used by the team were scientific, and therefore reliable.

Though thousands of birds from central Asia and the trans-Russian region arrive every winter at Harike — formed on the confluence of rivers Satluj and Beas — there had been no official census before this one. A huge decline in the number of winged visitors was being reported, but the claims were all based on estimations. The wildlife department had invited bird lovers from across the country to be a part of the census committee and finally constituted the board with Narbir Singh Kahlon as its coordinator.

Sukhdeep Singh Bajwa, former honourary wildlife warden and a bird-watcher, said officials from Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Wildlife Institute of India were not involved in the census, which raises questions over the findings. "I doubt the authenticity of the report as no scientist from these paramount government bodies was involved," said Bajwa.

Kahlon admitted there was no representative from the two premier organisations, but added, "There were 53 avid bird-watchers on the board, and it was put together by the wildlife department after checking all necessary credentials."

There were also reports that some of the members, including Kahlon, were witnesses in an ongoing inquiry against Chief Wildlife Warden R K Luna, facing departmental action for burning fishing nets used by poachers at the wetland recently. Luna's alleged actions amount to destruction of evidence. Kahlon, however, has denied he witnessed the incident, even as sources told The Indian Express that not only was he present, there are photographs to prove it too.

Principal Chief Conservator (Wildlife) B C Bala, however, refused to comment.

The 'findings'
According to the census, 152 species of birds visit the Harike wetland, which is spread over 100 sq km. The birds stay here for three-four months, breed, and fly back in summer. Principal Chief Conservator (Wildlife) B C Bala said the census has put the number of birds at 79,500, and it would help the government calculate rise, or fall, in the numbers. The majority of the birds are gray-legged geese, though bar-headed geese, mallard duck, pin-tale duck, porchid, varieties of avifauna, pelicans, flamingoes and teals have also been spotted.

ALSO READ

On fast track, RCF claims it’s among world’s top coach makers

Under threat, CM to get more powerful armoured cars

Coming to a museum: Evolution of rickshaws

As cricket din rises, silence engulfs corridors of power