With migratory birds from various parts of the country and abroad arriving in Uttarakhand in the winter, the threat of the winged visitors being afflicted by avian influenza has been taken cognisance of by the forest department. In order to keep a better watch on the migratory birds, the Terai east and central forest divisions have started using drones to monitor the winged visitors.

The Terai east forest division receives migratory birds in the Sitargunj area at Baigul, Dhaura, Nanaksagar and Sharadasagar while the Terai central division receives the winged visitors in Haripura and Baur reservoirs. On the directions of the Terai east divisional forest officer (DFO) Sandeep Kumar, drones will also be used to monitor the migratory birds two days in a week to keep an eye on any signs of avian influenza. The drone will be used to conduct aerial videography and photography which will be analysed in detail by the department staff. According to the officials, this will enable quick response in case any signs of avian influenza are witnessed. Apart from the drone the personnel in all ranges of the forest division are also monitoring the spots visited by birds. So far, no case of avian influenza has been brought to the notice of officials in the Terai east forest division.

In the Terai central forest division, the DFO Abhilasha Singh said that migratory birds from Siberia and other regions arrive in the Haripur and Baur reservoirs. Stressing on the importance of these birds, she said that the department is alert and in case any signs of bird flu are witnessed, the departmental personnel will take necessary precautions while doing the needful. Singh further said that a training programme was also conducted to teach the special forest employees to monitor the birds in the reservoirs. Stating that so far the department had identified 18 bird species in the reservoirs, she said that so far no case of avian influenza has been seen in the region, adding that the department is still remaining alert and also conducting a count of the aquatic birds in coordination with a voluntary organisation.