The Hirakud Wetland, one of India’s largest freshwater ecosystems and a Ramsar site of international importance, has witnessed an impressive increase in summer bird population and breeding activity, underscoring the success of sustained conservation measures undertaken by the Forest Department and local communities.
A systematic survey of summer nesting birds, conducted for the first time in May 2025 and reassessed in June 2026, recorded 4,21,763 birds this year, up from 3,77,732 birds in 2025.
The findings indicate a significant improvement in the ecological health of the wetland and its adjoining habitats, said Divisional Forest Officer Hirakud Wildlife Division Anshu Pragyan Das.
Wildlife officials attributed the increase partly to an unusual phenomenon in which several winter migratory species remained in the wetland throughout the summer instead of undertaking their customary return migration. Their prolonged stay contributed to higher breeding activity and the establishment of new nesting colonies across the landscape.
The survey documented breeding colonies on 28 islands in 2026, compared to 26 islands last year. Notably, Tupa Dungri and Bhalu Dunguri islands recorded nesting activity for the first time, highlighting the expansion of suitable breeding habitats within the wetland.
To support successful nesting, authorities intensified habitat protection measures during the breeding season. Natural nesting areas comprising reed beds, grasslands, shrubs and trees were safeguarded, while activities such as vegetation cutting and other forms of disturbance were restricted. Natural islands, marshes and shallow wetlands preferred by breeding waterbirds were also preserved.
Stable water levels maintained by the Hirakud Dam created favourable breeding conditions, while mudflats and natural pools along the shoreline, particularly near villages adjoining the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, provided crucial feeding grounds for adult birds and their chicks.
Human disturbance around nesting colonies was minimised through strict regulation of fishing, boat movement and livestock grazing. Since nesting commenced in mid-April, fishing has been prohibited around all 28 nesting islands, and seasonal no-entry zones have been enforced around key breeding sites.
Conservation efforts also included monitoring feral dogs, removing invasive plant species and improving wetland habitat for native fish, amphibians, insects and aquatic vegetation, ensuring an abundant food base for resident and migratory birds.
Community participation has emerged as a cornerstone of the conservation programme. More than 100 villages surrounding Hirakud and Debrigarh have been sensitised over the past three years on pollution control and wetland protection. Under the “Debrigarh Abhinandan” initiative, awareness campaigns promoted sanitation and discouraged waste disposal into the wetland ecosystem.
Round-the-clock monitoring of nesting colonies, prevention of summer fires and active community involvement have helped maintain a disturbance-free environment throughout the breeding season.
Forest officials said the increase in bird numbers, nesting species and breeding sites demonstrates the growing ecological resilience of the Hirakud Wetland and reinforces the need for continued conservation of this internationally significant habitat.