Pune: A distressing incident in Indapur tehsil, where over 100 Painted Storks were found dead or injured due to the indiscriminate cutting of trees, has shed light on administrative negligence concerning the protection of birds and heritage trees in the region. Environmental activists and NGOs are now urging strict action against administrative officers who disregard environmental norms.
According to Krishna Tate, a member of the Indapur Tree Protection Civil Committee, this incident underscores the urgent need for accountability and enforcement of regulations to safeguard the avian population and preserve the ecological balance. Eco Rescue Daund, a local NGO working closely with the forest department, has reported at least 10 similar incidents in Indapur over the past year, causing harm to more than 100 local and migratory birds due to human intervention.
Gayatri Rajgurav-Avdhani, founder-member of Eco Rescue Daund, expressed concern, stating, “In the past year, we have rescued over 135 birds from Daund tehsil alone. In addition to the recent incident, we have conducted various rescue missions, saving more than 35 birds in Indapur tehsil. It is evident that human interference has increased, posing a threat to bird populations in Indapur, Daund, and certain parts of Solapur district. This includes unauthorized tree-cutting and the burning of garbage near trees. We maintain regular communication with stakeholders, including the forest department, local authorities, and citizens, to prevent such incidents and protect the bird population in the area.”
Ajit Suryavanshi, range forest officer of Indapur Forest Range, expressed shock over the recent incident and assured that a case has been registered against an unknown person involved. The forest department has also instructed the civic authority in Indapur to provide details of the contractor responsible for the tree-cutting, promising appropriate action after a thorough investigation.
Daund, Indapur, and parts of Solapur district are known for their rich bird diversity, including numerous migratory bird species like flamingos, as well as protected bird species. In Indapur, areas such as Kumbhargaon, Dikasal, Bhadalwadi, Dalaj, Palasdev, Gangan, and Agoti Varna, which are situated near the Ujani watershed and surrounding villages, host significant bird colonies. Painted Storks, vultures, parrots, and other species have made these old trees their habitat.
Unfortunately, previous incidents of indiscriminate tree felling for construction and other projects have already impacted bird populations in the area. Permissions for such activities are granted with specific conditions, but they are often disregarded by workers and contractors, resulting in the loss of bird habitats and, in some cases, injuries and fatalities. While the forest department lacks a formal estimate of the bird population in Indapur tehsil, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has recently conducted a survey of migratory birds in the area, and the data is eagerly awaited.
The primary reasons behind the cutting of trees and branches are the preferences of residents in housing colonies belonging to railway and court officials in Indapur. These residents often resort to tree felling to prevent birds from nesting near their homes. Additionally, trees are being cut for infrastructure development. Experts emphasize that such actions fail to consider the adverse consequences in terms of the loss of bird habitats and the resulting injuries and deaths.
It is crucial for the authorities to take immediate action to prevent further harm to the bird population by enforcing strict regulations, raising awareness among the public, and promoting sustainable practices that prioritize the preservation of wildlife and their habitats. The cooperation of residents, along with the active involvement of NGOs and environmental organizations, is vital in ensuring the long-term conservation of the avian species in the region.
