Chilka lake in Orissa has become a poacher's delight. The railway station in the sleepy town of Bhusandpur, the gateway to the lake, has become a thriving market for birds caught in and around the lake.
Rafi, one of the traders who has been in business for several years, says, "On an average I get five birds a day. The catch goes up in winters when lakhs of birds throng Chilka from far
off places." Nearly 2 million birds arrive in Chilka between November and February every year. The high demand for bird meat, a delicacy in places like Bhubaneshwar and Balugaon, has given a boost to poaching. Chilka divisional forest officer Janardhan Pradhan expressed the department's helplessness in curbing poaching. He complained of having a staff of only 33 forest guards. Moreover, being unarmed, the guards are vulnerable to attack by poachers, he said.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.