By Avijit Biswas
Bhagalpur: A potential bird site, the picturesque Jagatpur lake in Naugachia subdivision of this district is likely to be developed soon as place of tourist attraction. Steps have been initiated by local administration for preparing development plan of Jagatpur lake and its surrounding.
Development of Jagatpur lake holds significance as it would help attain objective of environmental conservation under Jal Jeevan Hariyali, a flag ship programme of state government intended at protection of environment. The district administration initiative also holds significance from point of bird conservation.
The place is abode of large number of migratory birds during winter every year. The bird watchers in number of cases feel proper development of Jagatpur lake taking into consideration the place is preferred site of migratory birds could prove useful in bird conservation and promotion of ecotourism.
Pradeep Singh, Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) along with officials of District Rural Development Authority (DRDA) visited Jagatpur lake site on Tuesday this week for holding on the spot discussion on developmental plan.
In course of on-the-spot discussion, an assessment was made by official team regarding facilities needed to be ensured at the place for attracting local tourist and tourist from other places. It was decided basic tourist facilities would be developed at worth seeing places around the lake and road besides bird sighting place.
Lakeside resting facilities apart from facilities for ensuring safety and security of tourists It was further decided would be created as part of development plan of Jagatpur lake. The concerned officials were directed by DDC for speedy implementation of development plan.
The migratory birds it may be mentioned start arriving at Jagatpur lake and its surroundings with start of winter season. They generally stay at the place till month of March and sometimes even longer.
Dr D N Choudhary, associate professor in postgraduate department of zoology, T M Bhagalpur University, who is a keen bird watcher and had been involved in bird survey previously, appreciated local administration move of developing Jagatpur lake.
He said the lake and its surroundings have all required potentials for eco-tourism. Development plan of Jagatpur lake however needs to take care of the fact that low water availability and water hyacinth infestation has led to shrinking of lake area in recent years, Dr Choudhary felt.
He informed it is generally flood water during flood time that is water source of lake. However, after construction of bunds in the area flow of flood water in lake area has reduced considerably Dr Choudhary said.
He added it would be better if ensuring availability of adequate water in lake round the year from river Ganga could be made part of the plan being conceived for development of Jagatpur lake. Dr Choudhary was of the opinion that for maintaining eco system of the lake, round the year availability of water is essential.
He felt while developing the lake as place of tourist attraction there is also need to ensure bird arrival at the place is no way adversely impacted because of too much human interference. Informing about increased diversity of winged guests at Jagatpur lake and its surroundings in recent years Dr Choudhary however said arrival of migratory birds at lake site is comparatively less so far this season compared to previous years.
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- Writer Avijit Biswas, former principal correspondent of Hindustan Times Bhagalpur bureau, can be contacted at biswasavijit@yahoo.comContact number (mobile): +919431095516
