Water bodies in Telangana turn boon for migratory birds

Hyderabad: After facilitating agriculture and fisheries development, the water bodies in Telangana have now become a hub for migratory birds from European countries and north India for nesting and breeding. For the second consecutive year, hordes of colorful birds flocked to the State during winter to escape from the freezing cold in the northern hemisphere […]

Hyderabad: After facilitating agriculture and fisheries development, the water bodies in Telangana have now become a hub for migratory birds from European countries and north India for nesting and breeding. For the second consecutive year, hordes of colorful birds flocked to the State during winter to escape from the freezing cold in the northern hemisphere and returned last week. From erstwhile Medak to Adilabad district along with Pakhal in Warangal district, the birds enjoyed favourable atmosphere in the State during winter.

Since they prefer water near wetland, these birds arrived in the State in large numbers. Most water bodies were dried up before the formation of Telangana. But water from Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS) coupled with works completed under Mission Kakatiya programme, almost all the water bodies were filled to the brim. The bountiful rainfall registered in the last monsoon also resulted in getting more water to water bodies.

Apart from water bodies, the conservation activities carried out by the State government paved the way for birds to migrate to the State. “Since water is most important, we conducted several activities inside forests to improve ground water levels apart from constructing water tanks to maintain the eco-system,” a forest department official said.

Owing to the freezing cold in Germany, France and Russia among other countries, these birds migrated to warm places in Telangana for productivity. “At least 15 different types of species of birds came to the forest area in Kumram Bheem-Asifabad district in November and stayed till last week,” he said. He said birds like northern pintail, eurasian coot and Gadwall along with flamingos were spotted in the water bodies in the district. To draw the attention of bird watchers, the forest department organized a bird walk at Kawal Tiger Reserve last month to have a glimpse of rare bird species and 600 plant species and diversified wildlife.

As many as 300 people evinced interest to take part in the walk. But, the department could make arrangements only for 60 people. Kumram Bheem-Asifabad District Forest Officer Shantaram said rare species of birds were found in over 40 water bodies in the district. The forest department officials in Warangal also organized a similar event at Pakhal in Warangal district.

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