Minister Directs Officials to Prevent Hunting, Protect Migratory Birds in Bihar

Patna: Dr. Prem Kumar, Minister for the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has directed officials to implement measures to safeguard migratory birds during their winter stay in Bihar. The instructions came during a review meeting held at Aranya Bhawan, attended by senior officials, including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) and other key personnel.
The minister emphasized preventing hunting, creating phased plans for bird arrival areas, and forming special teams to apprehend poachers. These steps aim to ensure the safety of migratory birds that use Bihar as a crucial stopover on their routes from 30 countries.

Bihar: A Winter Refuge for Migratory Birds

Bihar hosts 274 bird species, with key wetlands in northern Bihar—enriched by rivers like the Ganga, Gandak, and Kosi—serving as vital habitats. These areas attract notable species like the Greater Adjutant Stork, Greater Flamingo, and Little Ringed Plover, alongside others from the upper Himalayas.

The Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary in Begusarai, Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake, stands out as a prime destination, hosting up to 60 species of migratory birds from Central Asia. Birds typically return to their native regions by the end of March.

Ongoing Initiatives and Key Announcements

The state has intensified efforts since 2022 by conducting bird counts to monitor migratory populations. Events such as Bird Festivals and Awareness Programs are also organized to highlight the ecological importance of migratory birds, particularly on World Migratory Bird Day, observed annually on May 9.

Dr. Prem Kumar outlined new initiatives, including the establishment of a Garuda Rescue and Rehabilitation Center and a Bird Ringing and Monitoring Station in Bhagalpur. Additionally, the development of bird sanctuaries is in progress to boost eco-tourism and provide local employment opportunities.