Migratory Birds From Serbia & Europe That Flock Delhi Sanctuaries, Missing Due To Severe Pollution

Alarming rise in air pollution in Delhi is threatening wildlife havens during winters when birds from distant lands make their way through the national capital.

Vehicular pollution, construction dust and smoke from farmers burning crop stubble are considered to be some of the leading factors of air pollution in the growing city, apart from the yearly practice of stubble burning in neighbouring states.

Usually, migratory birds visit natural bird sanctuaries and habitat parks from the mid of October and normally migrate until March. Various bird sanctuaries like the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Okhla bird sanctuary and Sultanpur National Park become a host to these migrating guests who stay here until native habitat conditions are stabilised.

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Over the years, there is a visible distinction in number of migratory birds flocking to Delhi. On an average, 255-255 species of migratory birds make way to Delhi but there is a visible dip.

Birds from northern hemisphere migrate to India from Mongolia, Siberia, China Tibet and Europe from October and return by March when the weather becomes normal.

Like past years, stubble burning has deteriorated air quality in Delhi which is also affecting the arrival of birds. Migratory birds cross countries and cover large distances to find comfort, but the plummeting air quality is affecting their count.

Black redstart and red-breasted flycatcher were once easily spotted in Delhi’s sanctuaries and satellite cities. Northern Shoveller, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Common Pochard, Wigeon are regular migratory birds invading Sultanpur Park, Danauri wetlands, Surajpur and Okhla.

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Today you can see cormorants and a few varieties of wagtails only.

Birds are now delaying their visit largely owing to increased air pollution of which Delhi is among the biggest victims, and water pollution.

Till about a few years ago, birdwatchers could easily spot over 100 flamingos in the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, a four sq km expanse on the banks of the Yamuna. Now, the number is reduced to somewhere between 10-20.