Berhampur (Odisha): Ahead of the annual bird census on January 9, Odisha government has imposed restrictions on all activities at the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary in Chilika Lake.
The restrictions on visit of VIPs, research scholars and other developmental activities with involvement of boats will remain in force till January 10 in the 15.59 sq km bird sanctuary area, Divisional Forest Officer, Chilka Wildlife Division, Bikash Ranajn Das said on Friday.
However, no restriction has been imposed on entry of visitors to other areas including some islands of the 1100 sq km water body where the winged guests descend, he said.
Scores of migratory birds visit Nalabana every winter from far off places. Many birds also visit other areas including Bhusandpur, Soran, Parikuda, Mangalajodi Chadheihaga islands. Visitors are allowed to these places as the islands don't fall under the sanctuary area, he said.
Enumerators would be trained on January 8 for carrying out the day-long exercise in which experts of Bombay Natural History Society, ornithologists, research scholars and wildlife officials will participate.
Last year 7.19 lakh birds of 158 species winged their way to the blue lagoon of which 4.15 lakh descended on Nalabana alone. In 2013, about 8.77 lakh belonging to 180 specials visited the lake while in 2012 their figure stood at 8.83 belonging to 167 species.
