HT Digital
Jorhat, Jan 08: Jorhat, known as the cultural capital, has now also made progress in the field of tourism. Located along the Gar Ali–Cinamara road in Jorhat is the Cinamara Bird Park, popularly known as the “Avian Park.”
This park, known as a habitat for migratory birds in Jorhat, witnesses the presence of various species of birds at different times of the year. As winter sets in, several species of migratory birds arrive at the Cinamara Avian Park. Among them are Grey-headed Swamphen, Black Ibis, Cape, Kingfishers, Hornbills, Barbets, Parakeets, Orioles, Bulbuls, along with various species of wetland birds.
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At one time, this pit covering nearly 20 bighas of land was under a unit of the Assam Tea Corporation, Jorhat division. Later, ONGC purchased this large tract of land and established its administrative office and residential area nearby. At present, this pit, located near the Jorhat Industrial Centre along Gar Ali, has been kept open by ONGC. As a result, the area gradually developed into a naturally beautiful site. This “Avian Park” became a favourite destination for migratory birds. Every year, from October to March, thousands of migratory birds freely flock to this place. This year too, the presence of thousands of migratory birds has been observed in the Avian Park.
However, it is unfortunate that this migratory bird habitat is now facing serious threats. The Avian Park is gradually turning into a dumping ground. Plastic waste and heaps of garbage are now seen all around the park. Rotten waste and discarded materials have filled the surroundings, making the area unbearable to look at and spreading foul odour. As a result, not only has a severe threat emerged to the birds’ habitat, but an adverse impact on tourism has also been observed.
Although domestic and foreign tourists visit the park, the unhygienic condition and pollution have led to a decline in tourist numbers. Due to the indifferent attitude of the concerned authorities and the actions of some local miscreants, the Avian Park has turned into a dumping site. Such activities pose a serious threat to Jorhat’s tourism sector. Environmental pollution, garbage dumping, and decaying waste have caused foul smells, damaging natural beauty and the ecosystem, which in turn has reduced tourist footfall. Irresponsibility, plastic usage, and indiscriminate waste disposal have polluted the Avian Park, creating a major threat to the migratory birds’ habitat.
As a result, the arrival of international tourists has come to a halt.
It is regrettable that in this matter, the concerned authorities, organisations, local MLA, and MP have remained silent. Though there are one or two local organisations responsible for the maintenance of the park, no one seems to be paying attention. It is learned that a few years ago, ONGC had provided a project worth around ₹1.5 lakh to the Jorhat Forest Department, but allegations have been raised that the Forest Department failed to act on the issue.
It is worth noting that if the concerned authorities do not take this matter seriously and fail to adopt proper conservation measures for the Avian Park, then with the passage of time, the park may completely disappear, and tourist numbers will drastically decline.
