Explanation:

A group of environmentalists has written to the Department of environment that the Chandlai Lake at Shivdaspura in Jaipur district should be declared ‘Important Birding Area (IBA)’ and ‘Protected Site’ to preserve and conserve.

The inland water body, spread over 6sqkm, used to attract birds from Central Europe, Central Asia and China for five months in a year.

The figure has now dwindled and the birds’ stay too has come down to two-three months.

The lake is in records since 1872.

The lake thrives on rainwater and polluted water flow from the Dravyawati River which is taking a toll on the flora and fauna.

Since the population has increased manifold with agriculture as key economic activity, the villagers illegally pump out water during the winter season or for Rabi season.

Earlier they used to carry water in the traditional manner from the catchment area but now with access to water pumping machines they are literally shrinking the lake.

Reports say that the catchment area of the lake is 3,000 hectares which is marred by mass encroachments.

More than 10 species of birds such as northern shoveler, common pochard, redshank, common greenshank, tufted duck, common redshank are being sighted along with bar headed geeses (2,000) and pelicans (1,200) which are in majority.

Other than shrinking the lake, another tragedy for birds is removal of trees from the lake and the catchment area which serves as resting place for them.