Noida: As winter nears, Okhla gets ready for winged guests

NOIDA: Even as forest officials start habitat development ahead of winter, some migratory bird species have already been spotted at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary in Noida. Officials say that small birds and waders such as pallas' gull, black-bellied tern, whiskered tern and marsh harrier are already being seen.
With the monsoon nearly ending, the forest department has started cleaning, clearing overgrown foliage and making other preparations for the upcoming winters at the sanctuary.
One of the most important habitat development activities annually is the cleaning of the river area and removing the water hyacinth that is unsafe for many species. Because of good monsoon this year, the water hyacinth has spread across a larger portion of the river. For the past few years, officials have been using the cleared water hyacinth to create mounds, platforms and small islands for the resting and perching of several bird species.
Officials said that most of the migratory birds prefer to stay put on these mounds and platforms in the middle of the water body since disturbance from the surroundings is limited. The entire habitat development process takes up to two months. With better monsoon and rejuvenation of freshwater ponds across the NCR region, it is expected that
“The cleaning job is almost complete, and we are now getting the painting and repair work done. The wooden bridge leading to the central watchtower was in a dilapidated state for the past few years. We have fixed it and it is ready to be used,” said PK Srivastava, divisional forest officer. Nature trails, benches, floating platforms and pathways have been cleared for visitors. Arrangements for cycling as well as golf carts have also been made for the tourists.
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is spread across 400 hectares and covers part of the Yamuna banks on the border of Noida and Delhi.
Around 20,000 birds visit the sanctuary every year from over 70 species. While the bird sanctuary is a haven for regular birders, it also attracts many tourists and cycling groups during the winter months.
However, the introduction of cottages for night stays has not gone well with the birders.