There was a time when the wetland diversity in North Bengal attracted a steady stream of winged migratory birds. It’s been quite a while that human interference, encroaching and indifferent attitude of the state government has not only plummeted the arrival of migratory avian species but has caused peril to the wetland habitat and the resident avian species are gasping for breath.

Tanmay Datta, associate professor, Anand Chandra College, Jalpaiguri, said, “While it’s true that poaching of avian species has come down to 80 per cent over the past years owing to high level of public awareness, there are several other factors plaguing the wetlands. The area locals are converting the wetland habitat into agricultural land and the state government has not taken up any initiative to look into the matter and take appropriate steps to prevent the practise.”

Datta has taken up a study on “factors affecting avian diversity in wetlands of North Bengal” sometime last year and the research will be ongoing till 2018. He has carried out a survey of five wetlands in North Bengal including Gajoldoba wetlands, Rasik Beel in the district of Cooch Behar, Gomohini wetland lying in the midst of Jalpaiguri and Mainaguri, Phulbari Barrage and Nagarhali wetland in the district of Alipurduar.

As far as migratory avian species are concerned, one pertinent question arises in our mind-what is preventing the winged visitors to visit the wetlands in North Bengal? Armed with 20 years of research experience in his belt, Datta said, “Nearly 70 per cent of water bodies are covered with water hyacinths at Rasik Beel and Nagarhali wetlands that pose threat for migratory wetland birds since these avian species prefer open water for nesting and breeding.

The phenomenon of eutrophication in wetlands occurs that denotes excessive richness in water bodies owing to run-off from the land that brings a huge growth of floral life. The process of eutrophication degrades the quality of water and not only harms the wetland avifauna but is hazardous for the algal species. The state government needs to come forward and make an effort to stub out the water hyacinths once in every season.”

Datta has performed his premier research on avian life at Raigunj Wildlife Sanctuary that is well-known as Kulik Bird Sanctuary in the district of Uttar Dinajpur. Gajoldoba wetlands in Jalpaiguri district forms the epicentre of wetland in North Bengal. “The incidences of human interference like fishing and cattle grazing need to be restricted at Gajoldoba wetland. The state tourism department is going ahead with its plans to transform a part of Gajoldoba wetlands into a major tourist hub that should not affect the avian habitat in the wetlands at any cost,” he said.

Today the avian life in the wetland habitat of Rasik Beel is touching an alarming level. “The state government needs to reach out and act soon to save the wetlands from the danger of
extinction,” said Datta.