Corona-induced lockdown turned a boon for the environment as pollution came down to a much lower level. This was the reason why migratory birds reached the famous Tilaiya Dam in Koderma district 15 days before the actual time of every year. Due to their sudden visit and that too before time, the forest department became alert for their security.

Officials said they were in action and keeping a watch on the birds to put a check on the activities of poachers. Bird watchers said normally these guests arrive after November 15 but for the first time, bird watchers are witnessing their early arrival here.

Forest officials informed hundreds of birds have arrived at this picturesque dam including Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Norton Pinet, and Bar-headed goose. Forest officials said these birds are from Ladakh, Mongolia, China, and few European countries. Their arrival continues till January and they stay at this dam till April after which their return journey starts.

In 2017, the international union for conservation of nature had given Tilaiya Dam the status of an important bird area seeing the arrival of thousands of birds at this dam every year. In January, the number of these birds reached several thousand, attracting tourists as well as poachers too.

Picturesque Tilaiya Dam in Koderma, Jharkhand. Picture by Vishvendu Jaipuriar

Local residents said earlier 30,000 to 35,000 birds used to come here. But due to human interference at this dam followed by poaching, the numbers had reduced to few thousands with every passing day.

Divisional forest officer of Kodera, Suraj Kumar Singh said his department is on high alert for the security of this bird. He said this dam is the favorite spot of migratory birds for decades. He said for the security of these birds, the district tourism committee had given a go-ahead to construct two watchtowers at the dam area. We are identifying the two best spots to construct the towers, he added.

Singh said once constructed, these watchtowers will serve two purposes, one will provide an opportunity for tourists to see the birds and beauty of this dam. Second, forest employees can use it to keep eyes on poachers, he added.

He said they are ready to take up a census of the migratory birds to know their actual numbers and their species as well. Singh also confirmed that they are taking up plantation drive to save the catchment area of the dam besides making a natural trail here.