The North Bengal migratory bird decline has become a pressing concern for environmentalists and ornithologists. Following devastating floods in October 2025, experts fear that siltation and habitat destruction in wetlands across Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar districts may reduce the number of migratory birds arriving this winter. The Himalayan Nature & Adventure Foundation (HNAF) has announced a month‑long Annual Waterfowl Count (AWC) beginning January 4, 2026, to scientifically assess the situation.
2. Migratory Birds in North Bengal
- Every winter, species such as Brown Shrike, Bar‑headed Goose, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Common Teal, herons, and storks (like Asian Openbill) migrate from Central Asia and Siberia.
- Wetlands like Gajoldoba, Fulbari, Rasik Beel, Nararthali Beel, and Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary serve as critical stopovers.
- These birds depend on aquatic vegetation, fish, and insects for survival.
3. Impact of October Floods
- Floods on October 4–5, 2025 devastated large parts of Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar.
- Massive siltation deposited in wetlands disrupted aquatic ecosystems.
- Food availability for migratory birds has sharply declined.
- Environmentalists fear a lower turnout of avian species compared to last year.
4. North Bengal Migratory Bird Decline: Annual Waterfowl Count (AWC)
- Organized by HNAF in association with forest divisions.
- Covers major wetlands and riverine stretches across three districts.
- Last year’s AWC recorded 35,000 birds, with Fulbari (6,554 birds, 68 species) and Rasik Beel (6,418 birds, 55 species) showing the highest counts.
- Findings will be forwarded to the International Wetlands Bureau (IWB) through the state biodiversity board.
5. Government External Links for Assistance
- India Meteorological Department (IMD): https://mausam.imd.gov.in
- West Bengal Forest Department: https://wbfd.gov.in
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: https://moef.gov.in
- International Wetlands Bureau: https://iwc.wetlands.org
6. Historical Context of Avian Counts in Bengal
- 1990s: Early surveys documented steady arrivals of migratory geese and ducks.
- 2010s: Climate change began altering migration patterns.
- 2020s: Floods and urbanization increasingly disrupted wetland ecosystems.
- The 2025 floods represent one of the most severe threats in recent memory.
7. Governance Challenges
The migratory bird decline reflects:
- Weak wetland management and lack of silt removal infrastructure.
- Encroachment and pollution from urban expansion.
- Insufficient coordination between forest, irrigation, and disaster management departments.
- Limited awareness among local communities about ecological importance.
8. Global Comparisons
Similar crises occur worldwide:
- China’s Poyang Lake: Siltation reduced numbers of Siberian cranes.
- USA’s Mississippi Flyway: Habitat loss disrupted waterfowl migration.
- Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes: Pollution and flooding affected flamingo populations.
North Bengal’s situation mirrors these global struggles where climate events and human activity threaten migratory routes.
9. Governance Lessons
The avian decline teaches:
- Scientific monitoring like AWC is essential for policy decisions.
- Wetland restoration projects must be prioritized.
- Community involvement can reduce encroachment and pollution.
- Integration of climate resilience into conservation planning.
10. Future Outlook – Wetland Conservation in Bengal
India must move towards:
- Eco‑restoration of flood‑affected wetlands.
- Digital monitoring systems for bird counts.
- Cross‑border cooperation with Central Asian countries on migratory routes.
- Eco‑tourism initiatives that balance conservation with livelihoods.
11. Conclusion
The North Bengal migratory bird decline is more than an ecological concern. It reflects the fragility of wetlands under climate stress and governance gaps. The upcoming AWC will provide crucial data, but long‑term solutions require coordinated action between government, NGOs, and communities. For Bengal, protecting wetlands is not just about birds—it is about safeguarding biodiversity, livelihoods, and resilience against climate change.
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