Central government's data endorces the concern shown by MP Satnam Sandhu on the decreasing number of Migratory bird species in wetlands of Punjab
Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh points out significant decrease in bird species at Ropar Wetland Conservation Reserve in past 4 years
MP Satnam Singh Sandhu raises issue of declining number of migratory bird sand conservation of wetlands in Punjab
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 2, 2024: Rajya Sabha member Satnam Singh Sandhu raised the issue of Punjab’s declining population of migratory birds in the Parliament and sought details of steps taken by the Union government to protect diversity, enhance the breeding rate of birds, and protect Ramsar sites(wetlands) in Punjab.
Raising the matter through unstarred question during the ongoing monsoon Session of the Parliament, Sandhu asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change if the Union Government is aware of the declining bird species diversity and declining summer breeding in Punjab, the details of the steps taken by Union Government to protect diversity and enhance the breeding rate in Punjab and steps taken by Union Government to protect Ramsar sites in Punjab.
In a written reply to Member of Parliament Sandhu’s question, the minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh on Thursday (1 August) informed the Rajya Sabha that a declining trend has been observed in the population of birds at Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary and Ropar Wetland Conservation Reserve.
As per the figures provided by the Union Minister on the questions asked by Sandhu, the number of bird species at Ropar Wetland Conservation Reserve was 56 in 2020 which came down to 52 in 2021, 44 in 2022, and 43 in 2023.
Likewise, the count of birds at Ropar Wetland Conservation Reserve also went down from 3,808 in 2020 to 3,447 in 2021, 1167 in 2022 and 1764 in 2023. Similarly, the count of birds at Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary went down from 4,553 in 2020 to 3,797 in 2021, 3,325 in 2022, and 3,135 in 2023.
The number of species of birds at Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary was 33 in 2020 which went up to 41 in 2021, again declined to 39 in 2022, and went further down to 33 again in 2023.
On Sandhu’s questions on steps taken for the protection of diversity and enhancing the breeding rate in Punjab, the Union Minister said three major wetlands Harike, Kanjali, and Ropar in the state are recognized as important Bird Areas.
These areas harbor several threatened and congregatory species of birds including Vulnerable species like the the Ferruginous Duck, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Black-bellied, Tern, GreaterSpotted Eagle, Indian Skimmer, and near threatened avian species like Oriental Darter, Painted Stork, Asian Open bill, White-backed vulture and Long-billed vulture.
The Union Minister said the removal of invasive floating vegetation(water hyacinth) has been done from Ramsar site wetlands like Harikeand Kanjali to improve the growth of native aquatic vegetation in the wetlands.
The Union Minister added that all six Ramsar sites of Punjab have been designated as Protected Areas under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to emphasize the protection and conservation of wildlife.
Moreover, the National Wetland Committee is implementing a National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) for the conservation and management of wetlands in the country on cost cost-sharing basis between the Central Government and respective State Governments.
“It aims at holistic conservation and restoration of wetlands including lakes for achieving desired water quality enhancement, besides improvement in biodiversity and ecosystems through an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach,” the Minister added.
In this response, Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “The ecology of Punjab and its ecosystem are quite prosperous and lively. Many patches of the state are breeding destinations for various animals. Many places in the state are sensitive breeding grounds for migratory birds. It is a matter of pride that the number of wetlands of international importance nominated by India under the Ramsar Convention in 1990 is six in Punjab. Seeing the sensitivity of Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji towards climate change, I am optimistic that the Union government will keep taking steps for the conservation of wetlands in Punjab.