Bhubaneswar: The Hirakud wetland along Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has witnessed a remarkable surge in summer bird nesting this year, with as many as 19 species recorded — nearly double of the 10 species observed last year.
Wildlife officials confirmed that nesting has been documented across 28 islands in the reservoir, compared to 26 islands in 2025, with two new sites — Tupa Dungri and Bhalu Dunguri — joining the list.
Conservation Measures
“Encroachments by fishermen have been removed along the shoreline of Hirakud covering critical nesting areas as well as wildlife movement. Efforts are ongoing to clear the remaining areas. Conserving the summer nesting of birds in Hirakud wetland was focused on protecting both the nests and the conditions that allow breeding birds to raise their young successfully,” said Anshu Pragyan Das, divisional forest officer (DFO), Hirakud wildlife division.
Of 19 species recorded for nesting, 10 important species are little tern, river tern, gull-billed tern, small pratincole, oriental pratincole, red wattled lapwing, yellow wattled lapwing, skimmer, little ringed plover and greater painted snipe.
She attributed the trend to sustained conservation measures. “Protecting both nests and ecological conditions that allow breeding birds to raise their young successfully has been our focus. Reed beds, grasses, shrubs, and trees used for nesting have been preserved. Cutting of vegetation during breeding season has been restricted, while natural islands and shallow marshes have been maintained,” Das added.
Water Level Management
Wildlife officials said in Hirakud dam, water levels remain steady during nesting. Natural pools and mudflats along the shoreline provide feeding grounds for adult birds and chicks. There is also minimal human disturbance with restriction on fishing in all 28 nesting islands since mid-April. “Seasonal “no-entry” zones have been enforced, and livestock grazing near colonies has been curtailed,” the senior wildlife officer said.
Winter Migration Success
This year in winter, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary recorded 4.2 lakh migratory birds of 128 species at Hirakud reservoir, up from 3.77 lakh of 122 species last year. Five new species — ruddy crake, greater painted snipe, painted stork, little gull, and sanderling — were found this year, which were not seen in previous years.
Community Involvement
Prevention of pollution was also an important measure that the wildlife authorities to help bird nesting. More than 100 villages around Hirakud and Debrigarh have been sensitised through the Debrigarh Abhinandan programme. Dustbins were distributed to 20 key villages, and open dumping has been discouraged to sustain aquatic life.
