Chilika wildlife division starts preparations for migratory birds

Berhampur (Odisha): Ahead of the winter, Chilika wildlife division in Odisha has started preparations to provide protection to migratory birds expected to arrive shortly.

"We will set up 18 temporary camps in the lagoon. Patrolling will be intensified in and around the lake to prevent poaching," said Divisional Forest Officer (Chilika) Bikash Ranjan Das.

At least eight temporary camps have already been set up in the lake.

While 60 daily wagers would be engaged in the camps for six months, 10 boats would patrol the lake.

At least one forest staffer and three daily wagers would be engaged to look after the birds in every camp, which would run till March, Das said.

All preparations would be completed by next week, when the migratory birds were expected to arrive, said the DFO, adding, "We have spotted some migratory birds in Nalabana."

The 15.59 sq km Nalabana was declared bird sanctuary as more birds congregated in the area. Last winter, 7.62 lakh feathered guests of 172 different species visited the lake.