MARGAO
Welcome to Durga in Chinchinim village, located on the foothills of the Chandreshwar forest range. Once known for the fertile agricultural fields, the wetlands now play host to different species of birds “ both residential and migratory.
In fact, bird watchers working under the banner of Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) claim that Durga is now home to 60 different species of birds, including 40 residential ones and 20 migratory. Lesser whistling ducks, grey herons, eagles and a host of residential birds have made the Durga wetland popular amongst the local residents as well as bird watchers from outside the village.
When the members of the media descended on Durga’s wetlands early Saturday morning along with bird watchers, besides members of the Forest Department and representatives of the Chinchinim village panchayat, they were greeted by dozens of lesser whistling ducks. And, the wetlands looked clean with not trace of trash -- thanks to the initiative by the local youth and residents to keep the habitat free from waste.
Says Mabel Menezes, member of the Goa Bird Conservation Network: “The Durga wetlands today play host to many bird species, including migratory birds. Rough estimates have put the number of bird species present at Durga to 60, including 20 migratory birds.
The programme hosted by the Forest Department to spread awareness about birds is the first such exercise held at Durga. Says Range Forest Officer, Siddesh Gawde: “The objective behind the bird awareness programme is that people should know that Durga has become a fertile ground for birds,” The RFO thanked the local youth for their initiative to clean up the entire lake from trash and waste.
Local resident Gerson Gomes told the media that the entire lake which resembled a waste dumping site has been cleaned by the local youth. “Both the wetlands and dry land at Durga play host to birds, including migratory ones. The youth of Durga
have taken the initiative to protect the lake and hand
over the lush green wetlands to the next generation,” Gerson said.
He gave an advice or two to the Water Resources Department to build the traditional bandh on time, at least around October, so that the wetlands have adequate water to attract migratory and residential birds.
Chinchinim Sarpanch Flory Pereira and his deputy Valentino Barretto and the panchayat body supported the programme. The deputy sarpanch urged the government to identity and notify the wetlands of the village.
