Strict noise, excavation curbs at bird sanctuary in Niphad

Nashik: The district administration has decided to take several measures, including imposing strict sound restrictions at Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary in Niphad taluka of Nashik district, in order to restrict mining and excavation in the area so that nothing disturbs the birds.The bird sanctuary is the state's first designated Ramsar Site recognised for its rich, biodiverse wetlands that is spread across about 10000 hectare of area situated at the confluence of Godavari and Kadwa Rivers. "Celebrating 40 years of the bird sanctuary, we want to treasure it for the future generations. Hence, we have decided to take several important steps in the interest of the bird sanctuary that witnesses a large number of migratory birds visiting it during the year," district collector Ayush Prasad said. "It is not just a tourist destination but an ecosystem. Thus, during the next decade we will not only maintain biodiversity, but will also achieve a balance of eco-friendly tourism and nature," he added. As part of ensuring sound restrictions, loud music, unnecessary honking and all other sounds leading to noise will be controlled to ensure a peaceful environment for the birds. "Restrictions will be imposed on unauthorized excavations in the bird sanctuary and a continuous monitoring system will be kept operational to protect the reservoir and ecosystem here," Prasad said. Special viewing galleries planned scientifically for the tourists without disturbing the habitat, a modern interpretation center in the bird sanctuary, accurate replicas of birds, models of migration routes and information about the ecosystem will be displayed through 3D printing technology such that the center becomes an important source of knowledge for students and researchers.Activities to increase the density of fish and food chain in the reservoir (fish and feed densification) will be implemented to provide natural food sources to migratory birds will be carried out besides nesting islands for the safe breeding of birds for which transplanting trees as needed will also be carried out. "A Society of Bird Conservationists will be established to bring together bird lovers and experts. Volunteers, researchers and the administration will be coordinated through this organization. Information boards and directional boards will be set up on all major national and state highways, airports and railway stations to further spread the identity of the sanctuary," he added.