Question : Migratory Birds

(a) the species of migratory birds visiting the country along with the area and duration of their stay;
(b) whether there are reports of killing of such birds and if so, the action taken by the Government thereon;
(c) the details of steps being taken by the Government for safety and protection of migratory birds coming to various part of the country;
(d) whether the Government has conducted any study with regard to the effect of rising pollution on these birds and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of funds allocated by the Government during the last three years for development of places where these birds flock together, State/UT-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a) Although no specific assessments is conducted by the Ministry with respect to the species of migratory birds visiting India, literatures published by experts including Scientific Institutions suggest that about 370 species of birds migrate to India, out of which 175 species undertake long distance migration using the Central Asian Flyway area, which also include Amur falcons, Egyptian vultures, Plovers, Ducks, Storks, Ibises, Flamingoes, Jacanas, Pochards, Sociable Lapwing, etc.

Migratory species are omnipotent in nature and found in protected as well as non- protected areas, both urban and village areas. The winter visitors arrive India by October and stay till March/April. The summer migrants start coming to India from mid March and occurs in India till August.

(b) All migratory birds in India are protected under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and killing of these birds are strictly prohibited. However, sporadic killing of migratory birds cannot be ruled out. Action against the offenders is taken as per the provisions of the various Acts.
(c) The important steps taken by the Government for protection of migratory birds include:

i. Rare and endangered species of birds including migratory birds are included in Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 thereby according them highest degree of protection.
ii. Stringent punishments have been provided in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for violation of provisions of the Act.
iii. Important habitats of birds, including migratory birds have been notified as Protected Areas under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for better conservation and protection of birds and their habitats.
iv. The Ministry has notified the Wet Land (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010, for better protection of wetlands in the country.
v. Focused protection measures involving the local communities have been taken up in the State of Nagaland for protection of Amur Falcons that migrate to North East India on their route to Southern Africa. With the coordinated efforts of the Forest Department, Government of Nagaland, NGO’s, scientific institutes and local communities, killing of Amur Falcons have become ‘Zero’ since 2013.
vi. Financial and technical assistance is provided to the State/UT Governments for protection and management of Protected Areas and Wetlands.
vii. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been established for control of illegal trade in wildlife and its parts and products.
viii. India is a signatory to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and India has also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CMS on Conservation of Siberian Cranes. The Cabinet Committee has also approved India’s joining the Raptor MOU with CMS.
ix. India is a contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands) and 25 wetlands in India have been notified as Ramsar Sites.
(d) Studies conducted by various institutes indicate bird mortality due to pesticide poisoning and chemical contamination.
(e) The Protected Area-wise details of funds released for protection of migratory birds and development of their habitat during the last three years under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ is at Annexure.

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