Migratory birds fluttering, twittering at Baikkabeel
Thousands of migratory birds pass a happy time fluttering and chirping at their 'winter home' Baikkabeel in Sylhet district as the water body is now a safe haven for the beautiful creatures. Inset, nature lovers find bank of the water body a nice place for pastime.Photo: STAR
A large number of tourists are thronging Baikkabeel, a birds' sanctuary in Hailhaor wetland covering areas in Srimongal and Sadar upazilas in Moulvibazar district, as the sanctuary with immense natural beauty now buzzes with chirping and fluttering of migratory birds. Management of Aquatic Ecosystem through Community Husbandry, a non-governmental organisation, conducted a survey in 100 acres of land in Baikkabeel in 1999 and declared the water body 'an area rich in biodiversity'. Bird Life International, another NGO, had included Baikkabil in its international list of birds' habitats. Following initiatives of the two organisations, the Ministry of Land decided to keep Baikkabil as a 'permanent sanctuary of birds and fish' in 2003 and imposed ban on irrigation and fishing with nets in this wetland. Consequently, work to create a complete sanctuary started and strict measures were taken to check indiscriminate fishing and irrigation in this wetland. Baikkabil, now a safe haven for birds and fishes, is also resourceful with different aquatic flowers including shapla and lotus and aquatic fruits like makna. Over a hundred species of birds inhabit Baikkabil during different periods of the year, says report of a recent survey conducted by eminent bird researcher Dr Enam al Haque, according to sources at Resource Management Organisation (RMO). In this winter season, about 12 thousand birds of 40 species gathered in the water body from November 2009 to January 2010, says the survey report. RMO, an NGO, is now working at Baikkabil to preserve its resources and create awareness among people. During a recent visit to Baikkabil, this correspondent saw a large number of tourists from different places of the country. He also met a few foreigners there. "Measures have been taken to preserve aquatic lives and birds here. A well-equipped observation tower has also been installed with the financial assistance of the USAID. Any tourist can use this tower for bird watching on payment of fees. One can also have a boat ride to see Baikkabil from different points," said Minnat Ali, an RMO worker employed to look after Baikkabil sanctuary.
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