Cyclone Dana: Hundreds Of Fledglings Perish, Nests Destroyed In Odisha’s Bhitarkanika

Bhubaneswar: As the severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ hit the coast in Odisha, a large number of fledglings were killed and many bird nests destroyed in Bhitarkanika national park in Kendrapada due to the disaster.

Officials said on Friday that hundreds of fledglings perished under the impact of heavy downpour and high-velocity wind as the cyclone made landfall close to Bhitarkanika.

As per the bird census conducted last month, there were over 1.30 lakh birds belonging to ten different species inside Bhitarkanika, said Assistant Chief Conservator of forest (ACF) Manas Dash.

He said a large number of chicks in Mathadiaprasad, Durgaprasaddia and Laxmiprasaddiha forest areas of Bhitarkanika died under the impact of the cyclone.

Besides, more than 14 species of resident birds such as Little Cormorant, Median Egret, Large Egret, Little Egret and Purple Heron had laid eggs during the monsoon season.

Notably, Bhitarkanika offers a congenial breeding ground for birds due to availability of abundant fish in the river and creeks and distance from human habitation. Mangrove and other trees housed thousands of baby birds, while the nests were large and stable protecting the eggs from getting wet. However, the cyclonic storm destroyed many nests.

Meanwhile, incessant rains due to the impact of the cyclone have raised concerns about crocodiles and snakes entering the villages inside Bhitarkanika. “Crocodiles often enter the village ponds and roads during floods and cyclones. The reptiles prefer calm waters and the torrential winds and waves of rivers force them to come out of the water bodies in search of quieter places. The Forest department has formed 10 teams for safety of people and rescue of reptiles in cyclone-prone areas in case the need arises. Nets, wires and other instruments have been provided to catch the reptiles,” Dash was quoted by TNIE as saying.

He said the village roads, owing to incessant rains on the day, were inundated with knee-deep water raising apprehensions of crocodile intrusion into the villages. “We have advised residents to be alert as crocodiles in flooded roads can often be mistaken as floating debris. So far, no reports of crocodiles attacking people have been reported,” the ACF informed.