Visitors, bird lovers and environmentalists are now not seeing any migratory birds in Aftabnagar and Jahangirnagar Universities in the capital. Due to the decrease in water bodies, filling and pollution of rivers, climate change, etc., there not that much presence of the magratory birds and the visitors and bird lovers are being disappointed. Even in this winter season, the lakes of Jahangirnagar University are devoid of guest birds.
Various species of birds including sand geese, black-tailed geese, wagtail geese, pankauri and small pheasants used to be seen in Aftabnagar in the capital. Hundreds of birds used to fly in these water bodies in the morning and afternoon to fascinate the visitors. However, this year the place is devoid of birds.
Animal Welfare Association convener and wildlife photographer Adnan Azad told Bangladesh Pratidin, “The number of birds is decreasing day by day. Apart from climate change, the environment for the migration of migratory birds has been destroyed due to man-made reasons. During the winter, migratory birds usually sit on the leaves of lotus flowers in the water bodies or lakes. It can be seen that fish farming is now taking place in the water bodies. As a result, they have to be cleaned. Birds do not come to such water bodies. Again, after the first few days of January, it is not that cold. As a result, the birds think that the ice in their home country has started melting.”
As a result, they start returning to their own countries. Sijen Sarkar, a student and photographer at the Institute of Literature and Culture of Jahangirnagar University, sad, “The university lake has been leased for fish farming for 2.6 million taka. The person who took the lease has cleaned the lake for the convenience of his fish farming. There are no birds in the lake where fish is farmed. For example, Rangpukur next to Chowrangi is devoid of birds.”
Professor of the Department of Zoology Dr. Sajeda Begum said, “Leases are not given like this. However, I do not know whether the lease has been given this year or not. However, if leases are given for fish farming, the birds will not come. We have always informed the university administration about this and the university lake has not been leased for a long time.”
She said, “Due to global environmental changes, various species of migratory birds have become endangered. They have to face various types of hostile environments during their two-stage journey. In some cases, migratory birds travel thousands of kilometers. In addition, due to various activities, the habitats of migratory birds are currently facing serious threats.”
(Translated by Lutful Hoque)
