By Our Correspondent

Dhangadhi, Feb. 14 : The Puraini Lake of Bhurakot in Belauri Municpality-6, Kanchanpur has seen a tremendous growth in marine life while also recording dwindling number of birds.

Although the number of species found in and around the lake has substantially increased this year, the recently conducted survey in some of the largest wetlands outside of the Shuklaphanta National Park has shown a decline in the number of birds at the freshwater habitat.

Last year, a total of 1,741 birds were recorded around the lake premises. This year, however, the number has dropped to 1,017. "We have recorded a decline of 724 aquatic birds in just a matter of a year," said ornithologist, Hirulal Dagaura.

Dagaura, a member of the wildlife census team, believes the Jalkhumbi flowers or water hyacinths (Eichhornia) to be the main reason behind the decreasing number of birds.

"Aquatic birds need open spaces to roam and fly around. However, the unprecedented growth of Jalkhumbis blanketing the area near the lake has made it difficult for water birds to freely navigate," he explained.

Amidst this exodus of water birds, the call duck breed has seen an overwhelming rise since last year. While there were no more than five call ducks, as per previous year's record, this year about 93 call ducks ramble in and around Puraini.

With its proximity to India's important protected area, Dudhwa National Park, some rare exotic birds can be sighted along the Puraini freshwater such as cranes, storks and so on.

Spread across an area of 24 bighas, the lake has witnessed a rise in the number of species. Including Lobhi Papi Garud, Spotted Simkukhura, Chanchale Sudsudiya, Kalo Garud, 10 new species have been recorded in the area.

According to Khem Prasad Chaudhary, Chief Administrative Officer at Belauri Municipality, the area around the lake has been utilised for irrigation and farming purposes as a result of which water birds have had to migrate elsewhere for space. "Recently, the lake is also drying up. To stop further encroachment, we will now demarcate the area, and will build fences along the banks," added Chaudhary.