Deteriorating rural ponds : A threat to overseas migratory wetland birds in Kurukshetra suburbs, Haryana, India

Abstract

The present study addresses the problem of ongoing destruction of traditional age old rural wetlands in Haryana in the last 10 years. It is a grave issue which stands accelerated due to anthropogenic unawareness and in deliberate destruction. In all, 59 species of wetland birds belonging to 10 orders and 17 families were recorded from Palwal rural pond in Kurukshetra district in India during 2005-2012. The presence and that too in higher numbers of Purple Moorhen Porphyrio porphyrio and Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus hints towards the over excessive growth of hyacinth and water reeds thus making it an ideal place for these birds which are the harbingers of total eutrophication of a certain water body. The other birds seen in the pond are White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus, Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus, Large Egret Ardea alba and Median Egret Mesophoyx intermedia. Pond Herons Ardeola grayii were in few numbers. Black winged Stilts Himantopus himantopus were in more number thus indicating the presence of sludge in water and its shallowness. Cattle egrets were in large number indicating its negative character. The lackluster attitude of Govt. of Haryana will result in its total destruction in 5-10 years. Similar situation may be extended to nearby village ponds to worsen their condition too. Ramsar Convention (1971) pleads for preservation, protection and conservation of wetlands of all hues. Village ponds in Haryana should be revived by seeking co-operation from the Head Quarter of Ramsar Convention at Switzerland.