Subir Kumar Sorkar, from Ghior, Manikganj
Every winter season migratory birds came to the Nilua Beel (a lake-like wetland with static water) of Maninkgonj district to find a temporary harbor. The presence of these birds makes the beel looking fresh and alive with other fauna. As winter approaches, the Nilua beel becomes the talk of the guest birds. The flight of birds, sitting in silence-attracts people as well. A flock of guest birds fluttered their wings in the middle of the green carpet of water hyacinth in the calm water. This beel becomes a bird’s abode every winter. This time also thousands of guest birds including various native species have settled in this beel. The number of ‘Pati Sarali’ is more among them. However, bird lovers from different areas came to see these birds and find joy and happiness.
The migratory birds which are seen in the beel include: Pati Sarali, Rajsarali, Balihans, Patikut etc. Besides, native species of snail shell, Pankauri, Buck, Chhannihans and other species of guest birds are also seen this time. These birds and their presence has made the beel area famous. When the birds fly in the sky in groups, it seems as if they are swaying like a garland.
Nonetheless, the water in the beel has decreased a lot during this time, yet its beauty has not diminished. Mahbub Hossain of the area said, ‘Originally, guest birds used to come here towards the end of November. They return to their own address when it becomes warm during the end of March. These guest birds were found first in the beel 6-7 years ago.’
It is to be noted that BARCIK is working on protecting the life and safe sanctuary of all life forms. The organization has been conducting awareness activities to stop hunting and killing birds in Manikgonj area for a long time. However, seeing the presence of migratory birds in Nilua beel the organization with the assistance of local organization has set up a billboard at Niluya beel to make people aware regarding the importance of these birds and ask them to protect these birds. Bimal Roy, Manikganj Regional Coordinator of BARCIK said, ‘We can create an open environment for birds from our own position. Only a little awareness can keep our country afloat in the chirping of guest birds.’ He went on saying, ‘Birds are the beauty of nature. Destroying this beauty means destroying the environment. In order to maintain the balance of nature, the migratory areas of birds should be protected freely. We must make arrangements so that the guest birds can move freely in the open sky, in the canals, in the beels.’
Our country has become increasingly vulnerable for guest birds due to lack of awareness about the importance of birds and environment. The good thing is that the local people at Niluya beel have perceived their role in protecting these birds and are committed to make beel a safe haven for guest birds including the native one.
Translated by Silvanus Lamin
