Patna: A bike rally will be flagged off from Aranya Bhawan in Patna on Tuesday morning as part of Bihar’s efforts to protect migratory birds. Environment Minister Dr Prem Kumar will inaugurate the event at 9 am.
The rally comes a day after a high-level review meeting on migratory bird conservation, chaired by the Environment Minister, was held in Patna. Senior officials, including the principal chief conservator of forests, the director of the Hariyali Mission, and others from environment department, assessed conservation strategies and management efforts.
Bihar plays host to migratory birds from 30 countries, with 274 species recorded in its wetlands. The vast floodplains of North Bihar, enriched by rivers such as the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Bagmati, provide crucial habitats for birds arriving from the Himalayas. Species such as the greater adjutant stork, greater flamingo, common sandpiper, ibis, and little ringed plover migrate here for breeding and roosting.
Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary in Begusarai, Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake, is a key stopover. Indian ornithologist Salim Ali once documented 60 species migrating to the lake from Central Asia, earning it a reputation as a “paradise for migratory birds.” The greater adjutant stork is frequently sighted along the Ganges and Kosi rivers, while urban areas with lower air and noise pollution attract species such as the Asian koel, black kite, rufous treepie, shikra, and spotted owl.
As most migratory birds leave Bihar by the end of March, following routes that extend to South America, Iran, Afghanistan, North Africa, and Europe, conservation efforts remain critical. Monitoring of bird populations began in 2022, and the government has stepped up measures to protect key habitats.
The state government is also looking to boost ecotourism through bird sanctuaries. Among its initiatives is the development of the Garuda Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and a Bird Ringing and Monitoring Station in Bhagalpur. The Environment Minister has also directed officials to prepare for the upcoming Bird Festival in Jamui Forest Division, set to take place between February and March.
Authorities have been instructed to ramp up anti-poaching efforts, with a dedicated task force to prevent illegal hunting. A phased conservation plan will be rolled out based on migratory patterns, while awareness campaigns will highlight the role of birds in maintaining ecological balance, including pollination, soil fertility, and seed dispersal.
“The extinction of species could severely impact the environment,” the Minister said.
