Nalabana a no-go area

BHUBANESWAR: Ahead of the annual waterfowl enumeration, Chilika’s famous Nalabana Bird Sanctuary has been declared off-limits to people till January 8. While tourists are not allowed inside, beginning Thursday, even Government officials will not be permitted entry till the Chilika Wildlife Division completes the census operation. The bird census will be held on January 7-8. The Wildlife Wing of the Forest and Environment Department have already issued an order declaring the sanctuary out of bounds to all and sundry. With the onset of winter, as the avian guests arrive at Chilika, Nalabana becomes the centre of attraction. This time, the 15.5-sq km Sanctuary has attracted more birds. As of now, over five lakh plumed guests __ both migratory and resident __ have winged their way into the protected area and the authorities believe more may descend soon. In no mood to disturb the birds, the Wildlife Wing has decided against permitting anyone inside the sanctuary till the enumeration is complete. This year, the Chilika Wildlife Division has decided to go in for a preliminary survey of the lagoon before the actual enumeration starts. Forest guards have been asked to survey an area of 3 km from the shoreline in their respective beats so that a fair assessment of the congregation can be made well in advance. “It will help the enumerators when they begin their work on January 7 and 8,” said Wildlife officials. Sources in the Wildlife Division said although birds have arrived in large numbers, certain areas of the lagoon have witnessed desertion in the last few days. Bird population in regions close to Tangi, such as Mangalajodi and Sundarpur, have been found to be low. During the first week of the month, at least five lakh birds had flocked to the Tangi region but their congregation has dropped. One of the reasons could be the low water level in the area.Census in Chilika’s Nalabana Bird * Sanctuary on January 7-8 * This time, the 15.5 sq km Sanctuary has attracted more birds* Over five lakh plumed guests __ both migratory and resident __ have winged their way into the protected area* This year, the Chilika Wildlife Division will go in for a preliminary survey of the lagoon before the actual enumeration starts