(a) the number of deaths of birds noticed in different wetland sanctuaries every
year because of pollution in the water during the last three years;
(b) the steps taken to save the rare species of birds in this regard;
(c) whether the Government proposes to formulate new guidelines to preserve the
eco-balance for protecting the birds; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b), (c) and (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED
QUESTION NO. 313 FOR REPLY ON 13.03.06 REGARDING `PROTECTION OF BIRDS.
(a) No reports have been received regarding deaths of birds in wetland sanctuaries
due to pollution. Stray cases of natural mortality or incidentalpoisoning do take place
for which no information is collated. However during the year 2005-06, two cases of major
mortalities of wild birds were reported, which are placed at Annexure- I.
(b) The steps taken to save rare species of birds include the following:
(i) Species of birds are listed in different Schedules of the Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972 ensuring high degree of protection,
(ii) Financial and technical assistance is provided under Centrally Sponsored Schemes
for development of important Bird Sanctuaries and wetlands of the country,
(iii) 71 wetlands covering 22 States have been identified under National Wetland
Conservation Programme for carrying out conservation activities,
(iv) Specialised agencies viz. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Salim Ali
Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) are being associated in the task of
avifaunal research, conservation and monitoring,
(v) India is a signatory to many International Conventions dealing with conservation
and regulating international trade in wildlife and wildlife articles, thus affording higher
degree of conservation to wildlife, including birds,
(vi) All States/UTs carry out continuous surveillance of wetland sanctuaries for
conservation of both resident and migratory birds.
(c) No new guidelines are proposed to preserve the eco-balance.
(d) Does not arise.