Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Experts Fear Decline in Migratory Birds Due to Floods
Experts are worried that the big floods in October might have hurt the places where birds live in north Bengal.
They think the floods put a lot of dirt in the water, which might make it hard for birds to find food.
So, they are going to count the birds to see if fewer birds come this winter.
Last year, they saw over 35,000 birds in places like Fulbari and Rasik Beel.
They will do this count for a month starting in January 2026.
Environmentalists are concerned about the impact of October floods on wetlands and bird habitats in north Bengal.
A comprehensive survey of waterfowl will be conducted to assess a possible decline in migratory bird populations.
Floods deposited massive amounts of silt in water bodies, adversely affecting aquatic life and food availability for birds.
The survey will cover major wetlands and riverine stretches across Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri districts.
Last year's survey recorded over 35,000 birds, with the highest counts at Fulbari (6,554 birds) and Rasik Beel (6,418 birds).
- Who
- Environmentalists and the Himalayan Nature & Adventure Foundation (HNAF)
- What
- A comprehensive survey of waterfowl to assess the impact of floods on migratory bird populations
- When
- Survey starts on January 4, 2026
- Where
- North Bengal, specifically Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri districts
- Why
- To assess the impact of October floods on wetlands and bird habitats, fearing a decline in migratory bird populations
- Affected Districts
- Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar
- Survey Start Date
- January 4, 2026
- Survey Duration
- One month
- Birds Recorded Last Year
- 35,000+
- Highest Count Locations
- Fulbari (6,554 birds), Rasik Beel (6,418 birds)
- Bird Species at Fulbari
- 68
- Bird Species at Rasik Beel
- 55
- Survey Conducted By
- Himalayan Nature & Adventure Foundation (HNAF)