Migratory birds throng Kendrapada rivers

KENDRAPADA: This winter a large number of migratory birds have arrived in the rivers and ponds in Kendrapada district. Among these are hundreds of lesser whistling teal, godwall, northern pintail, goose, common coot, common pochard and brahminy ducks, which have thronged rivers like the Mahanadi, Luna, Kharosotra, Chitrotola and Karandia.

"The birds started arriving in the third week of November and will stay throughout the winter. The massive gathering of birds and their activities in the rivers and ponds is a visual treat. Around 13 ponds in the Paradip Phosphates Limited (PPL) are now the abode of many migratory birds. The rivers and ponds provide an extensive feeding ground for the birds because of the abundant availability of fish," said Sudhanshu Parida, an environmentalist.

Locals are also taking care of the birds. "We are determined to protect the birds from poachers," said Prakash Rout, a retired school teacher of Karandiapatana village. The Karandia river flows near the villages.

"We have realised that these birds have added colour to our lives and made the place a unique location. We have formed a bird-protection committee and never allow people to enter the areas that the birds inhabit," said Sudhir Ranjan Mishra, the deputy general manager (corporate affairs) of PPL, Paradip.