Govt to check pollution, improve navigability near Kulik river

Kolkata: The Mamata Banerjee government has chalked out elaborate plans for curbing pollution and also increasing navigability of the Kulik river at Raiganj in North Dinajpur district.

The Raiganj Wildlife Sactuary popularly known as the Kulik Bird Sanctuary located adjacent to river Kulik is a major tourist attraction particularly during the summer months

when migratory birds turn up in huge numbers.

It is the second largest bird sanctuary in Asia.

Pollution has been badly affecting river Kulik and it is emerging as a threat to the fishes in the river.

The number of migratory birds flocking to the sanctuary is also coming down as fishes are one of the main food for these birds.

"The navigability of river Kulik is being revamped by employing workers under 100 days work scheme," District Magistrate of North Dinajpur Ayesha Rani A said.

Every year, from May onwards, birds like Open-Billed Storks, Night Heron and Cormorant Egret come to the sanctuary in large numbers from northeast Asia.

They breed there and leave after winters.

It may be mentioned that six years back, it was noticed that the number of migratory birds had come down to 80,000, while the usual avian population remains around 1.50 lakh.

Sources in the district administration said the state is spending Rs 14.75 lakh for the rejuvenation of Kulik river.

Work has already commenced in various places that includes blocks in Raiganj, Hemtabad and Itahar. "A waterbody is being created beside the river to ensure that the water level is properly maintained. ," a senior district official said.

The state government has also taken measures to curb pollution in the area.

The use of loudspeakers in and around

the sanctuary has been banned with effect from January this year.

"If anybody is found to indulge in acts that pollute the atmosphere in and around Kulik, action will be taken as per laws of the state Pollution Control Board," the official said.

The state Tourism department has renovated its tourist lodge at Kulik at a cost of Rs 4 crore as a stride towards attracting more tourists.

The areas around the bird sanctuary would also be developed for which a separate fund would be allocated soon.