HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 26: A recent incident of poisoning leading to the death of hundreds of birds in Jania, Barpeta district of Assam has raised concerns among environmental enthusiasts and conservationists. A video circulated through media shows a local individual claiming that birds in Mahammadpur Gram are being poisoned in crop fields by miscreants. These individuals have applied poisonous substances to their crops to deter birds, resulting in the death of the birds that consume the crops.
The local environmental enthusiast, who expressed concern over the mass poisoning of birds, has appealed to crop field owners and the competent authority to take necessary measures to prevent further harm to the bird population.
Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, secretary general and CEO of Aaranyak, expressed deep concern over the issue. He called upon village headmen and Village Defence Patrol (VDP) groups to raise awareness among villagers. He also requested the district administration and forest officials to take legal action against the culprits responsible for this act.
Aaranyak emphasised the importance of birds in crop ecosystems, highlighting their role in pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal. Birds help maintain a balanced ecosystem in crop fields, promoting biodiversity and minimising crop losses. Protecting bird populations is crucial for the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems, ensuring a secure food supply.
Aaranyak expressed gratitude to the local individual who brought this issue to public attention and urged the competent authority to take action against the culprits to prevent further bird deaths.
