Migratory birds back at JU
Migratory birds have started arriving at the lakes of Jahangirnagar University with the advent of winter. The university authority took different steps to ensure that the birds return following a scanty appearance last year. The photo was taken recently. Photo: STAR
Much to the relief of nature enthusiasts and environmentalists, migratory birds have started arriving while water lilies have begun blossoming on the lakes of Jahangirnagar University with the advent of winter this year. Last year, only a few water lilies blossomed and even fewer migratory birds arrived due to fish farming, disturbance through human presence, poaching, increase in establishments and water pollution, said JU environment experts. JU zoology department and environmentalists started holding birdwatching camps, photography exhibitions, children's drawing competitions and discussions to raise awareness on environment protection few years back. The exception was last year. With no birds, there were no festivities. Last July, a biodiversity preservation committee was formed, headed by Prof Abul Khaiyer, dean of biological science faculty, to ensure the return of the birds and flowers. Some steps were taken including a stop to fish cultivation since Eid-ul-Fitr so that no chemicals causing the water's pH-imbalance were used. Large fishes which eat small fishes, food of the migratory birds, have been caught and water hyacinths, which consume essential nutrients, have been cleared. VC Prof Anwar Hossain said, “Initiatives to make the campus environment friendly have been taken.”
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