On one hand, the recent Asian Waterbird Census in city recorded reduction in the number of migratory birds in city lakes as compared to previous years. On the other hand, the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), which was constituted to maintain and develop wetlands of the city, has not yet conducted its meeting for the last six months.

In this Committee, Collector would be the Chairman and Deputy Conservator of Forest is the Member Secretary. This Committee consists of Forest officials from different Tiger Reserves and ranges, representatives of NGOs, Honorary Wildlife Wardens, Indian Railway officials, doctors and villagers.

The last meeting was held six months ago under the Chairmanship of the then Collector R Vimala. Since her transfer, no meeting has taken place. “Due to implementation of code of conduct, the meeting was delayed. But now, it will take place within one month and Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board (MSBB)

has already conducted a meeting of all BMC’s in the State through video conferencing recently,” Dr Bharat Singh Hada, Deputy Conservator of Forest, told ‘The Hitavada’. MSBB formed BMC’s all over the State for better development of biodiversity in wetlands like lake, ponds, rivers, etc. The Committee monitors the growth of biodiversity in its jurisdiction. “Increasing illegal farming, excess fishing and other activities around wetlands may be the reason behind depleting number of migratory birds this year in city lakes. The Committee should conduct the meeting as early as possible to reduce such activities,” said a member of the Committee on a condition of anonymity.