Bhingarpur: The land of aquatic birds

Bhubaneswar, April 17: The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are growing faster sparing little space for the water bodies and wetlands. Despite the lacunae in the rapid urbanisation process and depleting ecosystems, some patches have some hopes left for the winged guests to rest, play, nest and live.

A village named Bhingarpur between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar may be the perfect getaway for birdwatchers. The place is 15km from Utkal University and 9km from Hanspal Square towards Balianta block connecting the famous Kenduli village, the birth place of poet Jayadev. River Kuakhai runs through the village and the river bank provides a beautiful habitat for birds-both resident and migratory birds.

Branch of the Puri Main Canal and river Kuakhai meet at this place and create a huge wetland which, along with a large stretch of agricultural fields provide ample space and a natural playground for several species of birds.

Since the area holds water throughout the year, it provides food i.e. insects and small fishes for the birds. A large number of open bill storks come here from March 15 and stay till June end.

The local villagers do not harm birds that move around freely in the area. Ecologist Prasad Dash, who belongs to the area, said: “The villagers have learned to adjust with the birds, both resident and migratory and they represent the same spirit of the people of some places in Ganjam, Nayagarh and Sambalpur where blackbucks, peacocks and fish are being conserved with the efforts of local residents with forest and wildlife authorities.’’

Wetlands are transitional zones that occupy an intermediate position between dry land and open water. They are dominated by the influence of water and possess characteristics of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and some properties that are unique to them. They support a wide array of flora and fauna and deliver many ecological, climatic and societal functions.

Scientists often refer to wetlands as the ‘kidneys’ and forests as the ‘lungs’ of the earth. Orissa, by virtue of its extensive geographical stretch and varied terrain and climate, supports a rich diversity of inland and coastal wetlands.

Where major focus is given to wetlands like, Chilika lake, Ansupa lake, Kanjia lake and Bhitarkanika wetlands for the rich flora and fauna, the small wetlands near Bhubaneswar are ignored even though they support many resident and migratory birds.