Photo: Messenger
Various species of migratory birds are being relentlessly hunted and sold in the local bazaar of Sirajganj, despite the efforts of a voluntary organization striving to curb this activity.
Frustration among locals is growing as they contend that bird hunting continues unabated due to a lack of vigilance from the concerned authorities.
As the winter season commences, an arrival of native and migratory birds congregates in the Tarash and Ullapara regions of Sirajganj in search of sustenance. This natural spectacle transforms the surroundings, with Chalan Beel and its neighboring areas echoing with the delightful chirps of these feathered visitors. Regrettably, skilled hunters, exploiting this seasonal abundance, are employing various traps and tactics to capture these avian treasures.
This Wednesday (9 November), it was observed that the water levels in the canals, beels, drains, and reservoirs of the Chalan Beel area had dwindled, exposing an abundance of small and large fish, as well as ripe Aman paddy. These aquatic resources attract numerous migratory and native birds, luring them to the region in search of nourishment. Tragically, hunters are ruthlessly targeting these birds for bait, ensnaring them with nets and traps while authorities remain passive. This unchecked avian hunting is wreaking havoc on the local biodiversity.
Local farmers, including Altaf Sheikh, Shukur Ali, Belal Khandkar, and Zulmat, recounted how various birds such as white herons, starling birds, sparrows, dahuk, and others helpfully consume ground-dwelling insects while they tend to their crops. Seizing this opportunity, bird hunters inject these insects with deadly pesticides, leading to the birds' demise after consumption. Subsequently, the hunters swiftly dispatch the birds using blades and knives kept nearby.
In a further grim development, vast nets, held aloft by sturdy bamboo poles, have been strategically erected across crop fields in different Chalan Beel areas. Birds enticed by the fields find themselves ensnared in these aerial traps, providing the hunters with an opportunity to capture and sell them in the local bazaar.
Reports from local sources reveal that various native bird species are being traded in different villages around Chalan Beel. Prices range from Tk 50 to Tk 500 per pair, depending on the species.
A voluntary organization named the 'Chalan Beel Biodiversity Raksha Committee' has been tirelessly working to combat bird poaching in the Tarash, Ullapara, Singra, and Gurdaspur areas of Natore, but their efforts are being hampered by the lack of strong initiatives from local administration.
Saiful Islam, the general secretary of the Chalan Beel Biodiversity Protection Committee, disclosed, "We have been striving to curtail bird hunting in the Chalan Beel area since 2020. While we manage to rescue and release many birds, hunters continue unabated. We believe that a more robust response from the administration is crucial to put an end to this illicit activity."
Mamun Biswas, chairman of The Birds Safety House, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for greater public awareness and improved government-private coordination to permanently halt bird hunting.
Dr. Nazrul Islam, a professor in the Zoology Department at Rajshahi University, highlighted the illegality of bird hunting, emphasizing that it is a punishable offense. He stressed the vital role migratory and native birds play in maintaining environmental balance and safeguarding the ecosystem by controlling harmful insect populations.
Officials like Mostafizur Rahman, executive officer of Tarash Upazila, acknowledged the harm to biodiversity caused by bird hunting. They also vowed to take action against those who engage in this unlawful practice.
Niamur Rahman, divisional forest officer of Rajshahi Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department, reaffirmed the illegality of bird hunting under the Wildlife Conservation and Safety Act. He assured that efforts are underway to curb these activities and bring those responsible to justice.
Messenger/Russel/Sun Yath
