Bird sanctuary plan at Gazoldoba

TT, Jalpaiguri: The state forest department will soon develop "Pakhi Bitan" (a bird sanctuary) close to "Bhorer Alo," the mega tourism hub at Gazoldoba, in Jalpaiguri.

The sanctuary will come up on over 2,500-acres, covering forests and stretches of water bodies. "The bird sanctuary will cover the Teesta river bed area in and around Gazoldoba, some areas of Odlabari, Apalchand and Targhera forests and also a portion of Baikunthapur and the fringes of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Out of the entire land and water bodies, around 75 per cent is with the state irrigation department," said a senior forest officer.

In north Bengal, Gazoldoba is known to be one of the prominent sites where migratory birds of different species swarm in every year.

"Surveys have been conducted by bird lovers and organisations working on conservation of environment at the site. It has been revealed that around 150 different species of birds can be seen at the site. If a sanctuary is developed, it will create a more conducive environment for birds and their numbers might also increase in the coming years," said Raja Routh, secretary of Jalpaiguri Science and Nature Club.

Among the avian species sighted at Gazoldoba, include Purple Swamp Hen, Kingfisher, Northern Pintail, Greylag Goose and Ferruginous Pochard.

Binoy Krishna Burman, the state forest minister, said that the sanctuary would be a major attraction at the site.

The senior forest officer said that in due course, nature trails and tours in bicycles would also be launched along the stretches of the sanctuary.