Not all is well at the Magadi Bird Sanctuary in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district, if the deaths of the bar-headed goose, a Mongolian bird species, are an indication.
According to sources in the Forest Department and the local people, nearly 15 migratory birds died in a span of six days. The department staff and the local veterinary clinic have collected pathological samples from the carcasses and also samples of the soil and water, which have been sent to the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biological (IAH&VB), Bagalkot. The results are awaited.
Sources said that the migratory birds, which feed in nearby fields, might have died due to the intake of chemicals or pesticides used by farmers. However, it would be premature to say anything before receiving the laboratory reports, they said.
Veterinary doctor Rohit S. Hegde said the lake water was polluted due to human activities and it was difficult to restrict people as it was the only lake for the village. This time, the migratory birds also had to cope with unsuitable weather conditions as the water-level dwindled and temperature was high, as winter has not yet commenced, he said.
Unprotected area
Magadi lake was declared a protected area. But the department has done little, except installing a signboard. Due to lack of proper fencing, the lake area is easily accessible at many locations. As the water-level is less this time, birds are falling victims to wild cats and dogs. The tank-bed has been encroached in many places.
Interestingly, the gram panchayat has dug a borewell in the lake area and also installed electricity poles for power connection.
President of the Nature Research Centre, Dharwad, Harshavadhan Sheelavant, said activities like washing clothes, vehicles, cattle, bathing, pilling of fire wood and open defecation around the tank have led to water pollution. This apart, silt has deposited in the lake over the years. “The condition is so bad that in many locations, birds find it difficult to swim in the muddy water,” he said.
Mr. Sheelavant said the departments concerned need to create awareness among the villages and chalk out plans to preserve and conserve this spot in cooperation with the people. Farmers should be convinced to shun or minimise use of chemicals in the vicinity. Besides, the tourism potentials of this spot should be utilised to its maximum to develop alternate source of income for local residents, he said.
