A thought on Grasslands

We continue to disappoint..... 

The last bastion of grassland birds is now a smoldering cinder..

Covid had contributed to the closure of the birding season all over the world. In fact the natural resources was enriched during the period.. But the oil spill incident has contributed to several dangers to avian and wildlife.

A gas well in an oil field operated by Oil India in Assam blew out causing great damage to the region's wetlands and biodiversity. Rich in biodiversity, the rain forests and the grasslands of  Dibru-Saikhowa National Park host the famous Feral horses, a total 36 species of mammals and above 400 species of birds. A true wealth of the country lies in the natural resources of the rich Eastern Assam.

These regions are part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. The Baghjan Well No. 5, from which the leak occurred, is located at a distance of 900 meters from the park and adjoins a buffer forested region surrounding the park.

The water body, where the oil spill occurred, is part of the famous grasslands of Maguri Beel, the feeding grounds of migratory birds.

Recalling a typical circuit from Dibrugarh to Mayodia pass, which will never be the same again. 

Mishmi Hills is a special place. It holds tons of happy memories.

It places surprising birds on your platter each year.

I always start the journey to Mishmi with a 4 day halt at Maguri beel and a couple of days stay at Tinsukia. Paradise on earth which is now left alone to fight unfair battles.

The stay at Kahua and Bonjuri camps in Maguri Beel were trip highlights.

These places will be missed as well as the surprising avian visitors who turn up to the joy of birders all over the country.

Last year witnessed two important visitors to Maguri.

Swamp Prinia and the White-tailed stonechat.

I pray and hope that the place will be ready to receive the winter visitors when they make their way into Maguri Beel.

I also hope Oil India equips itself to manage future disasters.

The ever declining population (currently numbered around 500, a critically endangered species)  of Baer's Pochard is already scary as the pilgrim pair makes an appearance in a life threatening environment this winter... Could we be forgiven in case of a mishap?

Will the absolute shrunken size of White-Winged Duck cross the line? 

The species you saw  at Maguri beel till recently, are the ones that was seen in several locations in Assam.

There was a methodical destruction of habitat.. We have seen several birds edged towards 'endangered species' and some towards near extinction.

The last bastion of these threatened and endangered lives was 'Maguri Beel'.

These grasslands may themselves now be closer to near extinction.. What form of avian life can they support?

The skill to douse fire or disaster management is not imparted to the oil and gas company personnel.

Almost after a fortnight, we have experts from another country looking into sealing the gas leak..

Why are oil companies so poorly equipped? 

The last true wetlands of Assam have been sacrificed.. Silenced.

Matri Mandir.... Digboi

Nestled between Maguri beel and Dihing Patkai is a small IBA. Birders all over the world visit the mini forest patch.

Today, Dihing Patkai is in deep danger of losing its habitat. 

On the other side, Oil India has managed to decimate the grassland.

There is death and destruction of grassland inhabitants.

This year, World Environmental day was very depressing.

Due to the lack of skilled personnel, who can clean up the mess, this is almost the end of the famed grassland..

Locals have lost their vocal power.

This story was written during the peak disaster moments in end may 2020.

As on date the status of the grasslands have recovered magically. Bird and mammal lives are thriving.