Birds found dead after storm damages nests along Ganga in Bhagalpur

Bhagalpur: A pre-monsoon accompanied by thunderstorm in the last two days destroyed bird nests, resulting in the death of hundreds of fowls along the Ganga riverbanks in Naugachia sub-division of Bhagalpur. Carcasses of Ganga mynas (bird) were found scattered particularly in Khirni Ghat area, with damaged nests seen on trees.

According to estimates, over 300 birds died in the storm, many of them semi-adult, along with some adult birds.

Local residents and bird watchers reported several injured birds struggling on the ground and initiated rescue efforts. A schoolteacher from Khirni Ghat and environmentalist Anamika Kumari informed the forest department, following which a team led by Arshad reached the spot and began rescue and rehabilitation work.

Deepak Kumar Jhunnu, coordinator of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) Bihar chapter, who was involved in the operation, said that a pair of pankauwa chicks, 15–20 Ganga myna chicks and Asiatic cuckoo chicks were rescued.

“The injured birds have been shifted to a safe location for treatment, and efforts are underway to facilitate safe nesting,” said Jhunnu adding that the incident reflects ecological imbalance and changing environmental conditions.

He urged the administration to protect bird habitats, conserve large trees along the Ganga basin and develop rapid wildlife response systems during natural disasters.

Residents said thousands of Ganga mynas usually roost on large trees in the Khirni Ghat area. The deaths during the two-day cyclonic storm have alarmed environmentalists.

The storm, accompanied by heavy rain, on Monday and again on Tuesday night, also caused widespread damage to property and electricity infrastructure, leading to a blackout in several areas since Monday.

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