Thana wetland hosts fewer guests

Vishal Joshi

Tribune News Service

Thana (Kurukshetra), December 2

The wetland at Thana village, near Pehowa, that is known for hosting the species of rare migratory birds, has registered a decline in the winged visitors this winter as compared to the last season.

Chetna Sharma, a bird watcher, said she recorded the movement of 200 migratory birds and resident (flying in from various parts of India) birds this year. She said the state authorities should expedite preservation work at the wetland to welcome more winged guests.

“It is encouraging to watch bar-headed geese, mallards and Brahminy ducks, in the natural water body at Thana. Northern shovelers were spotted at the ancient Brahmsar. As the number of these birds is gradually declining in the last few years, the authorities should execute a plan to conserve the wetland,” said Chetna, a sonologist from Kaithal.

Chetna has been following the birds’ movement at Thana for the last four years. She is a member of the Golden Jubilee Brahma Sarovar Community Reserve at Thana.

She said the state wildlife authorities came across the rich biodiversity hotspot in Kurukshetra district in 2016. The ancient pond with religious sanctity was found to be a natural habitat of turtles as well.

“Water level in the pond is low and unclean. Uninterrupted movement of cattle and stray dogs are posing a serious threat to birds here,” she said.

Wildlife officials said a boundary wall around the pond would be constructed soon.

“Like the last season, the state authorities are planning to organise an awareness camp to sensitise the local villagers about the wildlife at Thana. Also, a census of birds may be held this time to audit the movement of birds,” said an official.

Birdwatchers and the state forest authorities have agreed to form the Golden Jubilee Brahmsar Eco-Club, a volunteer group, in Thana schools to make the pond and its surroundings safe for wildlife.