Number of Amur Falcons visiting Umrangsu continues to increase

A CORRESPONDENT

HAFLONG: It is good news for bird watchers and bird lovers that the number of Amur Falcons visiting Umrangsu has been increasing every year, implying that the killing of birds has decreased remarkably.

Roosting of Amur Falcons in the Umrangso area has been going on since ages. People used to kill these birds for flesh. There was no mass killing as the people used air-guns or catapults. After a series of awareness campaigns, along with the Forest Department's active participation, killing of these birds has almost stopped.

This year from October 15, the birds started their roosting at New Tungbung and adjacent places near Umrangso reservoir which is expected to be continued till November 25. Visitors from neighbouring states like Meghalaya, Nagaland, besides from Assam, have been vising the place for watching these unique raptors.

Chief Conservator of Forest, M Tungnung, along with Divisional Forest Officer Tuhin Langthasa, Range Officer, Donmai Thaosen held an interactive session with the village gaon buras, Dimasa Students' Union, Karbi Students' Association, All Assam Gorkha Students' Union wherein it was decided to form a committee named Amur Falcon Conservation Committee soon to create awareness among the masses regarding the conservation of Amur Falcon.

Chief Conservator of Forest Sri M Tungnung, after visiting the roosting place, said he had instructed to keep vigil and also to provide possible help to the tourists visiting the place to watch the birds.

Meanwhile, the Dima Hasao District Magistrate has imposed Section 144 CrPC at the Amur Falcon roosting hub prohibiting carrying of air gun, catapult etc within 500 metres of radius of the roosting area. It is also learnt that the Falcon festival will be celebrated from December 15 to December 17 as farewell to the Amur Falcons, the winged guests of Umrangso.

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