Odisha to Begin Bird Census in January 2025

Bhubaneswar: Odisha will commence its annual bird census in January 2025, Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed the Assembly on Tuesday. The minister provided details of the initiative in a written reply during the House session.

Highlighting the state’s rich avian biodiversity, the minister stated that migratory birds flock to Odisha’s water bodies, especially around Chilika Lake, during the winter season. By November this year, the state has already recorded the arrival of 4,94,366 migratory birds. Among them, 2,17,170 have been sighted in Nalabana, a prominent bird habitat within Chilika.

The minister listed several key locations around Chilika Lake where migratory birds are frequently spotted. These include Mangalajodi, Bhusandpur, Balipatpur, Nairi, Baulabhandha, Badagotha, Tuagambhari, Gurubai, Sipiya, Nalabana, Madhurachua, Samalnasi, Pandanasi, Panchakudi, Sunanda, and Kaluri.

To ensure the safety of these birds, the state establishes 21 temporary bird protection camps and deploys two mobile teams every year between October and March. Each camp operates around the clock with three local youths and a forest guard assigned to safeguard the migratory birds.

The bird census will provide vital data for conservation efforts and help preserve Odisha’s unique role as a winter haven for migratory species.