A severe pre-monsoon thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rain over the past two days has caused significant damage to bird habitats along the Ganga riverbanks in the Naugachia sub-division of Bhagalpur. The storm destroyed numerous bird nests, leading to the death of hundreds of fowls, particularly in the Khirni Ghat area. Carcasses of Ganga mynas were found scattered across the region, with damaged nests visible on trees.
Extent of the Damage
According to estimates, over 300 birds perished in the storm, including many semi-adult birds and some adults. Local residents and bird watchers reported seeing several injured birds struggling on the ground and immediately initiated rescue efforts. A schoolteacher from Khirni Ghat, along with environmentalist Anamika Kumari, alerted the forest department. A team led by Arshad promptly arrived at the site to begin rescue and rehabilitation work.
Rescue Operations
Deepak Kumar Jhunnu, coordinator of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) Bihar chapter, who participated in the operation, stated that a pair of pankauwa chicks, 15–20 Ganga myna chicks, and Asiatic cuckoo chicks were rescued. “The injured birds have been shifted to a safe location for treatment, and efforts are underway to facilitate safe nesting,” said Jhunnu. He emphasized that the incident reflects ecological imbalance and changing environmental conditions. He urged the administration to protect bird habitats, conserve large trees along the Ganga basin, and develop rapid wildlife response systems during natural disasters.
Alarm Among Environmentalists
Residents noted that thousands of Ganga mynas typically roost on large trees in the Khirni Ghat area. The deaths during the two-day cyclonic storm have alarmed environmentalists, who are calling for immediate action to safeguard local biodiversity.
Infrastructure Damage
The storm, accompanied by heavy rain on Monday and again on Tuesday night, also caused widespread damage to property and electricity infrastructure. Several areas have experienced blackouts since Monday, disrupting daily life.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of wildlife to extreme weather events and the need for proactive conservation measures.
