AWC- 50% increase in bird population yet species fall further at Yamuna

The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) during the annual count of waterbirds birds on January 21, 2022, has revealed a big huge increase(nearly 50 per cent) in the population of waterbirds in the river Yamuna (Wazirabad Barrage to Nizamuddin Bridge) along both banks of the river. 2052 birds were counted this year, as compared to 1019 in 2021.

TK Roy, Ecologist, and AWC Delhi coordinator, Wetlands International South Asia said, "It was very surprising for us to see that the population of birds has increased by almost 50 per cent."

However, the census recorded a decreased number of species diversity as compared to the last four consecutive years.

Also read | AWC records sharp decrease in water birds at Surajpur wetland

In 2019 and 2020, the species diversity was 30 and 28 respectively. Whereas in 2021, it was 29 but this year, the census recorded only 24 species diversity. Among these, 13 are resident species and 11 are migratory species. These include one IUCN Red-listed Threatened bird (River Lapwing).

The census recorded a continuously degrading riverine habitat, decreased species diversity. The number of Black-winged Stilt (Resident Species) has decreased this, year (192 down from 439), same as Red-wattled lapwing (Resident species) decreased (66 down from 71. However, the number of Black-headed Gull (Migratory Species) increased this year, 1,029 from 406.

Waterbirds like the Pied Avocet, Ruff, River Tern, Little Stint, Little-ringed Plover, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank these water birds have disappeared due to the rise of water level this year.

TK Roy, Ecologist, and AWC Delhi coordinator, Wetlands International South Asia says, “River Yamuna passing through Delhi, a riverine wetland, and considered one of the holiest rivers in India has turned into the most polluted, degraded and disturbed wetland habitat for aquatic biodiversity especially water birds.”

He adds, “ The reason behind this is that 21 sewage drains including the largest Najafgarh drain are discharged into the river. Apart from this, throwing biodegradable & non-biodegradable garbage into the river, urban development on the riverbanks, illegal use of drying riverbeds for seasonal cultivation, encroachment of the riverbeds & floodplains, and excessive fishing. The fluctuating or decreasing species diversity indicates the health of River Yamuna.”