Haria village in Khulna’s Paikgacha has become a lively bird sanctuary, where residents protect native and migratory birds thriving among wetlands, Bain, Keora, tamarind and coconut trees.
Haria village in Paikgacha Upazila of Khulna district is alive with the chirping of various bird species. The entire area resonates with the movement and calls of birds among the trees. This enchanting natural spectacle captivates both local residents and visitors alike.
Lata Union in the upazila is characterized by extensive wetlands. Haria village is rich in wetlands, canals and marshy water bodies, while a river flows alongside it. The saline soil and water support the growth of various plant species, including Bain and Keora, trees typical of the Sundarbans. These trees provide shelter and nesting grounds for diverse bird species.
A visit to the village offers a delightful experience for nature lovers. Visitors are captivated by the sight of birds spreading their wings and foraging as they fly from one end of the waterbody to the other, while the sound of their chirping drifts in from afar.
Various species of birds, including cormorants, egrets and ducks, have taken shelter in a Bain tree native to the Sundarbans located in the courtyard of Narayan Ray’s house in Haria village. Birds can also be seen safely roosting in the tamarind and coconut trees at the neighboring home of Rashid Miah. With birds moving freely from morning until evening, the area has transformed into a natural sanctuary.
Abhiran Mondal, Shanti Rani Debnath and Haripada Das of Haria village said that every morning at dawn, the birds fly to nearby rivers, canals and water bodies in search of food. At the end of the day, they return to their safe habitat. This daily movement has become a familiar and delightful sight for local residents.
They also said the community has taken a firm stand against hunting, killing or capturing birds. As a result, the birds are able to live undisturbed and have found a safe haven.
Although bird sightings are relatively scarce in other parts of the upazila during the summer, a significant number of birds continue to frequent Haria village. As a result, the entire village remains lively with birdsong every day.
The number of migratory birds increases during the winter season. Various native and migratory species, including Lesser Whistling Ducks, Ruddy Shelducks, Cotton Pygmy Geese, Northern Pintails, gulls, jacanas and snipes, arrive at that time. During winter, the entire area becomes a safe habitat and feeding ground for these birds.
According to nature enthusiasts, birds play a vital role in conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. They say raising public awareness and implementing effective conservation measures to ensure safe habitats for birds are essential.
Prakash Ghosh Bidhan, a local journalist, columnist and president of the environmental organization Bonbibi, said, “We have been working on bird conservation for a long time.”
He said bird nests have been installed on trees across various parts of the upazila.
“We want birds, alongside people, to find a safe habitat in this region and thrive naturally,” he said.
The Upazila Livestock Officer said hunting birds is a punishable offense under the law. Raising awareness among local residents about protecting birds and nature is one of the most effective ways to conserve biodiversity.
Nirmal Kumar Pal, Divisional Forest Officer of the Khulna Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division, said, “We have received information about the matter. The Forest Department will promptly inspect the bird sanctuary and take the necessary measures.”
Paikgacha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Wasiuzzaman Chowdhury said steps would be taken to conserve the bird sanctuary in Haria village after looking into the matter.
