Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Bengal's Land Use Changes Threaten Migratory and Local Birds
Birds that visit and live in West Bengal are in trouble.
The places they live and eat are being destroyed by cities, pollution, and people taking over the land.
This is making it hard for birds to find food and safe places to rest.
Some people are trying to help by cleaning up the lakes and making small islands for birds to rest on.
But if nothing is done, many birds might disappear from West Bengal.
The problem is not just in Bengal but also in the places where these birds come from, like the Arctic, where climate change is making life hard for them.
Migratory and resident birds in West Bengal are facing habitat loss due to rapid urbanization and pollution.
Key wetlands like Santragachhi Jheel, Dhakuria Lake, and Rajarhat are being encroached upon and polluted.
Birds rely on these wetlands and surrounding fields for nesting and feeding, which are increasingly being urbanized.
Conservation efforts include clearing water hyacinth and creating resting islands for birds, but more support is needed.
Climate change and habitat loss in breeding grounds like the Arctic are also affecting bird populations.
- Who
- Migratory and local birds in West Bengal, India
- What
- Decline in bird populations due to habitat loss and urbanization
- When
- Ongoing, with significant changes observed in recent years
- Where
- West Bengal, including Santragachhi Jheel, Dhakuria Lake, and Rajarhat wetlands
- Why
- Rapid land use changes, urbanization, and pollution are destroying bird habitats and feeding grounds
- Primary Location
- West Bengal, India
- Key Wetlands
- Santragachhi Jheel, Dhakuria Lake, Rajarhat wetlands
- Migratory Birds
- Bar-headed geese, greylag geese, common teal, gadwall, northern pintail
- Resident Birds
- Red-vented Bulbuls, Indian Pied Starlings, Black Drongos, Tricolored Munias
- Threats
- Urbanization, pollution, encroachment, habitat loss
- Conservation Efforts
- Clearing water hyacinth, creating bird resting islands
- Data Platforms
- eBird, Bird Count India, Birdwatchers’ Society