More painted storks arrive in Van Vihar this year

BHOPAL: There's good news for bird watchers as rare and endangered species of painted storks arrived in good numbers here at the Van Vihar National Park. The migratory birds, specific to Indian sub-continents, especially around Himalyan regions, usually arrive in Van Vihar in winter and rainy seasons.
In high number of migratory birds, experts read sees sign of strengthening of ecological system of the place.The bird watchers, however, complain of gradual decline in number. Van Vihar officials claimed that their numbers have gone up.
A bird watcher and expert Shomi Gupta said, "It shows that there are plenty of fishes and fresh water in the lake. There are even large numbers of fledglings in the flocks."
"Their number now ranges from 30-40 in flocks. Three years ago, birds used to arrive in flocks of 50-60's," another expert said. These birds breed on mid-length trees.
Van Vihar assistant director Suresh Waghmare said the birds arrived in the flocks of 70-80.
He said the existence of these birds is threatened as they depend for their food on water bodies which are shrinking and face problem of pollution.