Annual Bird Census Underway In Hirakud

Sambalpur: The annual bird counting at the Hirakud reservoir in the Sambalpur district began on Sunday at 6 AM. The drill will go on until 5 PM, a top forest official informed today.

The power canal is separated into three sectors, while the reservoir is divided into 18 sectors. For the mobility of census teams in aquatic areas to conduct the survey, up to 35 boats have been deployed, according to the official. Sukhasoda, a 38 square kilometre area on the border between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, will be included in the annual bird census for the first time this year.

The enumeration drive has been carried out by up to 30 teams made up of senior staff from the forest divisions, according to the officials. Both local and migratory birds will be counted at the Hirakud reservoir area and in the power canal.

30 accomplished ornithologists will assist with the census drive.

“The power conduit has an area of around 5.7 square kilometres, while the bird census, which is ongoing at Hirakud reservoir, spans an area of around 533 square kilometres,” stated a senior officer.