Concerned over the impact of the October floods on wetlands and bird habitats in north Bengal, environmentalists have decided to conduct a comprehensive survey of waterfowl to assess a possible decline in migratory bird populations this season. This, they fear, may result in a lower turnout of avian species compared to previous years in this ongoing winter. The highest counts were at Fulbari (Jalpaiguri district), with 6,554 birds, and Rasik Beel (Cooch Behar district), with 6,418 birds. The migratory bird survey will be conducted in association with the forest divisions of the respective locations. “Based on the report, the IWB will update its database on migratory birds and wetlands of the region,” a source said.

Source: The Telegraph December 22, 2025 02:51 UTC