Kolkata: In a bid to check hunting of migratory birds that visit various sites in the state in winter, a major initiative was recently launched to save them in different parts of North 24 Parganas.
Between Dec and Feb, at least 62 birds, 23 nets and 6 catapults have been seized under this initiative.
The project has been launched by state-based BAN Foundation under the Rapid Action Project (RAP) of Delhi-based Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) with support from the state forest dept. "Under the project, conservationists have rescued and released multiple migratory birds trapped in ghost nets — fine nets that are hard to spot — across a vast area," said Soumitra Roy of BAN Foundation.
"Additionally, with the support of the forest dept, a large number of nets have been seized from various villages, including Habra block, Gaighata block, Bongaon block and Haroa block. The bird numbers could have been higher but most of the nets were seized before they could be trapped," he added. Among the species rescued are common snipe, common sandpiper, lesser whistling ducks and white breasted waterhen.
Jose Lewis, CEO of WTI, said that under the RAP, they are tying up with people and organizations working at the grassroots to protect both the wildlife and their habitats. "An initiative under this project has been started in North 24 Parganas. Based on its outcome and response, we can consider extending it to some other parts of Bengal," he added.
The project has not only limited its efforts to just rescue operations, it has also conducted awareness programmes in schools, as well as among local farmers and fishermen. "These sessions are aimed at educating people about the dangers of ghost nets and other unethical methods that threaten birds, emphasizing the need to stop illegal hunting," said Roy.
The forest dept staff are also supporting this initiative, conducting regular surveillance in different areas to prevent bird poaching.
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