HAFLONG, Sept 6 � The Forest Department, NC Hills Autonomous Council, has appealed to the people of Dima Hasao in general and the people of Jatinga and Umrangso in particular to save migratory birds, which come to Jatinga and Umrangso from September to November every year, and enjoy the arrival of these winged visitors.
Dima Hasao is one of the two hill districts of the State endowed with supreme natural beauty. The flora and fauna, rivers and streams, butterflies and insects, fishes, wild flowers and the cultural diversity of the people attract tourists from different parts of the State and the country.
One of the significant natural phenomena is the arrival of migratory birds every year to Jatinga, Doiheng and Umrangso. The Jatinga bird phenomenon is known all over the world and is the major attraction of the district. Another important phenomenon is the arrival of thousands of Amur falcons (daopnas in Dimasa and kalengmahas in Karbi) in Umrangso in September and November every year. Each year Amur falcons migrate to North East India from their breeding areas in eastern Siberia, northern China and southern Africa.
It has been noticed that some people kill these birds for their meat and for sale. This practice has brought shame to the district. The Additional PCCF of Dima Hasao, Bikash Brahma told this correspondent that it was the need of the hour to stop the illegal killing of birds. �All sections of the society must keep vigil and provide information to the Forest Department and the police for immediate action. We appeal to those involved in such killings to stop,� he said.
Brahma requested the civil society and NGOs to help and cooperate with the administration in the protection and preservation of wildlife and the sustainable development of forests in Dima Hasao district. He said that the Forest Department has decided to hold awareness camps on wildlife protection by involving the people from various walks of life at Umrangso.
