This past weekend, a significant bird census along the Yamuna river in Delhi revealed both the richness and the fragility of its avian habitat. The Asian Waterbird Census, conducted by a dedicated team of nearly twenty birdwatchers in partnership with the online database eBird, documented a remarkable over 9,000 birds representing 131 different species along the city's floodplains.
Census Findings and Dominant Species
Four separate teams of birders meticulously surveyed a 22-kilometer stretch of the Yamuna, from Wazirabad Barrage to Okhla Barrage. The count was dominated by the Black-headed gull, with an impressive tally of approximately 2,500 individuals. They were closely followed by about 1,700 barn swallows. Other notable species recorded included the Pied avocet (136), Ruddy shelduck (112), White wagtail (108), and the House sparrow (90).
Multiple Threats to a Critical Habitat
Despite the encouraging numbers, the census served as a stark reminder of the severe ecological pressures facing the Yamuna's ecosystem. The birdwatchers identified several critical threats endangering this vital habitat. These include rampant illegal sand mining on the floodplains, predation pressures from stray dogs, and widespread dumping of construction debris and plastic waste along the riverbanks.
Further degradation was noted due to the removal of aquatic reeds, unauthorized cultivation on the riverbed, and the open burning of waste. The birders also highlighted the declining water quality of the Yamuna, primarily caused by untreated sewage discharge and runoff containing agricultural chemicals.
Expert Warnings and Future Surveys
Conservation experts expressed deep concern over these findings. Pankaj Gupta, the Delhi-NCR project coordinator for the Asian Waterbird Census with eBird, warned, "If the condition of the floodplains is not improved, there may be a decline in the number of birds in the future."
Echoing this sentiment, Akash Gulalia, Director of Amaltas Nature Walks, pointed to the expanding agricultural land on the riverbed and the rampant use of chemical fertilizers as massive threats. "Cutting and clearing of aquatic and riparian vegetation has left little space for birds to breed. Illegal mining is another major issue," Gulalia stated.
The census efforts are not limited to the Yamuna. Later this month, birders will extend their survey to smaller wetlands in north Delhi, including the Rohini area. Other key sites like Sultanpur, Bhindawas, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and Dadri will also be covered. This annual January census is coordinated globally by Wetlands International, an organization dedicated to sustaining and restoring wetlands worldwide.
