Poachers kill 25 migratory birds in Chilika Lake, 2 held

BHUBANESWAR: Despite security cover over migratory birds at Chilika lake, about 80 kilometre from here, poachers have killed at least 25 of the species from Nalabana bird sanctuary area.

Forest officials seized 25 dead migratory birds and arrested two persons in this connection on Friday, said Ramachandra Sethi, the range officer of Balugaon Forest Division. The birds were seized from Majhi Ora village at the bank of Chilika lake.

The arrested duo, identified as Debaraj Behera (40) and Dukhishyam Behera (42) of Mangalajodi village under Tangi police station limits, were later forwarded to the court, said Sethi.

The state government has banned entry into 15.53 sqkm area of the Nalabana bird sanctuary during winter when lakhs of migratory birds land in the lagoon. Besides Nalabana, migratory birds also gather at other parts of the lagoon.

Officials said that they have set up at least 70 anti-poaching camps across 1100 square kilometre area of the Chilika lagoon. At least eight patrolling boats were doing rounds in the Chilika waters, the official said.