Berhampur: In the first poaching case in the Chilika lake during this migratory season, wildlife officials have arrested a bird poacher at Balipatapur, official sources said.
The wildlife officials seized a dead open-bill stork and some poaching equipment from the poacher identified as Nimai Mandala during raids conducted near the lake yesterday, official sources said.
An estimated four lakh winged guests from far off places including Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, remote parts of Russia, central and South East Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas have arrived in Chilika so far.
Majority of them have congregated in the 15.69 sq.Km Nalabana bird sanctuary areas, the sources said.
Chilika Wildlife Division has made arrangements to provide safety to the migratory birds and to prevent poaching.
As many as 17 camps were set up in the lake involving over 50 personnel. Besides, police and local activists were also engaged in the task.
Patrolling was also being conducted in 16-km long coastline of the lake, the sources said.
Police personnel have been deployed in Sorana area, identified as one of the vulnerable area for poaching, the sources said.
