NEW DELHI: Over 9,000 birds across 131 species were spotted along Yamuna floodplains in the capital during the Asian Waterbird Census this weekend.The survey, carried out by a group of nearly 20 birders in collaboration with eBird, an online avian database, flagged several ecological threats to the habitat, including illegal sand mining on the floodplains, predation by stray dogs, dumping of construction and demolition debris as well as plastic waste along the river.Four teams of birders surveyed a 22-km stretch from Wazirabad Barrage to Okhla Barrage. Black-headed gulls (2,500) dominated the count, followed by 1,700 barn swallows. Pied avocet (136), ruddy shelduck (112), white wagtail (108) and house sparrow (90) were also spotted. The birders highlighted habitat degradation of these birds because of removal of aquatic reeds, cultivation on the riverbed and open burning of waste along the bank. They also flagged declining water quality of the river because of sewage and agrochemical runoff.
Four Teams Survey 22km Stretch On River Floodplain, Spot 131 Species
Pankaj Gupta, Delhi-NCR project coordinator of Asian Waterbird Census eBird, said, “If the condition of Yamuna floodplains is not improved, there is likely to be a decline in the number of waterbirds in future.”Akash Gulalia, director of Amaltas Nature Walks, said that the river ecosystem faces a massive threat due to increasing agricultural land on the riverbed and rampant use of chemical fertiliser in them. “Cutting and clearing of aquatic and riparian vegetation has left little space for these birds to breed. Illegal mining is another major issue,” said Gulalia. Apart from Yamuna floodplains, the birders will carry out surveys in smaller wetlands in north Delhi, including Rohini, later this month. Sultanpur, Chandu, Jhanjrola, Bhindawas, Dhigal, Mandothi, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Surajpur, Dhanuari and Dadri wetlands will also be covered. The census is coordinated by Wetlands International, a global organisation that works to sustain and restore wetlands and their resources, and is carried out in several countries every January.
