Bird sightings at Barju lake increase

Chimadi: At a time when bird experts are concerned after birds began falling out from the sky in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, the increase in bird sightings at Barju Lake of Chimadi VDC of Sunsari can be taken as a good omen.

The lake has seen a significant rise in bird sightings this year. Locals in the nearby areas claimed that around 5,000 species of birds have been sighted at the lake lately. With the increase in bird sightings, people have been thronging the place. “We recently went on a picnic to Barju Lake as bird sightings have increased in the area,” said Rajiv Koirala, a local political leader.

The historically important Barju Lake had remained dry since 1969 after the west dam of the lake gave way while digging a canal for irrigation. But when locals took matters into their own hands for conservation of the lake from 1995, the lake turned into wetland and bird sightings increased in the area, said Balim Chaudhary, president of the public property development and preservation committee.

“Plans are afoot to launch a campaign for bird conservation,” added Chaudhary.

Though the lake spreads in an area of 152 bighas, only one-fourth of the lake is filled with water. Bishwanath Chaudhary, a local of Chimadi said, “If the lake is managed properly, bird sightings can increase significantly. But for this to happen, the government should come up with long-term plans.”

Locals have also commenced an awareness campaign for bird preservation.Locals of Chimadi VDC have shown interest in the conservation of the lake, said Ramesh Pal, a teacher at a local school. “Effective plan should be introduced for the conservation of the birds.”

Following the floods in the Saptakoshi River on August 18, 2008, a large portion of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve had transformed into a desolate tract.