DHAKA: Jahangirnagar University (JU) has long been a favored destination for migratory birds seeking refuge in its serene lakes and green spaces during the winter months. However, this year, the arrival of these avian visitors has been notably sparse, a continuation of a declining trend observed over recent years. Experts and university officials attribute this worrying phenomenon to environmental degradation, unplanned development, and inadequate lake maintenance on the campus.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Zoology department at JU has documented a significant reduction in the number of migratory birds. In previous years, the campus would welcome approximately 6,000 to 7,000 birds. This figure has dwindled to 2,000 birds this year, with sightings limited to just two of the 30 lakes on the campus. The diverse species of birds, including various ducks and waders that once flocked to the university, now find the environment less hospitable.
Auritro Sattar, a student of the Environmental Science department at JU, has observed these changes firsthand. He noted that the degradation of the natural habitat due to unplanned construction and environmental neglect has driven the birds away. “Bird nesting in lakes generally requires that the lake be free of water hyacinth and have small green plants,” Sattar explained, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an environment conducive to the birds’ needs.
University authorities, represented by Deputy Registrar Abul Kashem, acknowledge the issue and have pledged to clean the lakes and create suitable environments for the birds in the future. However, wildlife ecology expert Prof. Dr. Md. Kamrul Hassan from the Zoology department points out that merely having trees is insufficient. A lake-centric approach is crucial, he argues, as migratory birds primarily rely on lake ecosystems.
Prof. Sohel Ahmed, JU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), expressed concern over the declining bird arrivals, recognizing them as a vital part of the university’s natural beauty. He announced plans to form a committee comprising environmentalists and zoologists to investigate the causes and devise strategies to restore the campus as a haven for migratory birds.
In an effort to raise awareness and promote conservation, JU plans to host its annual bird fair in January. This event aims to educate the public and authorities about the importance of preserving bird habitats and biodiversity, with hopes of reversing the decline in migratory bird arrivals at the university.