DIBRUGARH, Jan 23 ? A report of a large number of residential birds falling prey to insecticide at the Tilonijan tea estate in the Dibrugarh district has raised the heckles of nature watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Though it is common knowledge that tea gardens use pesticides and insecticides to keep unwanted insects and pests at bay, this is the first time that there are reports that birds are becoming the victims.
Several species of birds, viz, Red Vented Bulbul, Black Drongo, Indian Tree Pie, Common Myna, Jungle Myna and the Babbler have died in their hundreds in and around the Tilonijan estate in the past few days. A fact finding team of Nature?s Beckon has found to their dismay that labourers of the estate have eaten several of the dead birds, while the tea estate management has washed its hands off any responsibility, saying no bird has been willfully killed.
Nature?s Beckon today sent letters to the Inspector General of Wildlife as well as the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, informing these of the incident. The group?s volunteers are of the opinion that the birds have perished after consuming poisoned insects. The civil administration here and in Sivasagar too have been apprised of the tragedy, and it is learnt that steps are being initiated to prevent further avian disasters.