Bhubaneswar: The annual bird census to assess the migratory and resident wetland bird population will commence in Odisha from January 6, Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed on Wednesday.
A recent drop in temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius has created ideal conditions for the arrival of migratory species, drawing flocks from distant regions like Siberia, Central Asia, and beyond.
The Minister said that the census will primarily focus on premier birding hotspots such as Chilika Lake (Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon), Nalaban Bird Sanctuary, Manglajodi wetlands, Hirakud Reservoir, and Nandankanan Zoological Park. Teams from the Forest Department will collaborate with the Tourism Department to conduct the count, while also promoting eco-tourism opportunities for bird enthusiasts.
“This headcount will generate vital data for habitat management, biodiversity monitoring, and wildlife protection,” he noted.
Khuntia further stated that plans are afoot to build modern watchtowers and improved enclosures at these sites to bolster conservation efforts. He also stressed stricter enforcement against illegal poaching and hunting to ensure a safer environment for different avian species. He also called for collective efforts from government, civil society, and media to raise awareness about bird conservation.
In the 2025 mid-winter waterfowl survey – conducted for the first time on a single day on January 18 – over 16 lakh birds belonging to more than 200 species were recorded across three major wetlands of Chilika, Bhitarkanika and Hirakud in Odisha. Chilika alone hosted approximately 11.27 lakh birds of 196 species.
