The population of water birds is declining in the wetland habitats of Punjab. In a survey conducted by Asian Wetland Census (AWC), it was found that the population of water birds is decreasing due to degradation of wetland habitats in Punjab. The State has several wetlands including three Ramsar sites (wetlands with international importance declared by Ramsar Convention of Wetlands) out of 26 sites in India with rich bird diversity including resident species and migratory species. The survey has been conducted at Ranjit Sagar Reservoir created on River Ravi, Kanjli Wetland in Kapurthala, three small wetlands in Ropar and at Nangal Dam (Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary). According to the survey carried out by AWC Delhi coordinator and ecologist TK Roy, the number of both migratory and resident water birds’ species is declining in wetlands of Punjab. Migratory bird species –Northern Shoveler—which used to migrate to Punjab wetlands every year, was not sighted during last winter. Also, the population of migratory birds’ species including Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Graylag Geese, Gadwal, Commot Coot, Red-Crested Pochard has decreased over the years. Earlier, a large flock of these migratory birds were visiting the wetlands, but their number has declined drastically in past few years with plundering of wetlands in Punjab, said ecologist TK Roy while talking to The Pioneer. The population of resident species including Little Cormorant, White-Breasted Waterhen, White-Breasted Kingfisher, and Little Grebe has also declined in the wetlands of the state. Roy said, “As per the field surveys conducted so far, at various wetlands of Punjab, the population of water birds has declined sharply.” In a survey conducted by AWS earlier this year, 20 species of water birds including only 5 residents and 15 winter migratory birds’ were found at Ranjit Sagar Reservoir, which is among the largest wetlands in Punjab. The resident species included Great Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Osprey, Little Egret and Pond Heron. Also, in another census exercise earlier this year at smaller wetland habitats in Ropar, the population of resident species including of Indian Pond Heron, White-Throated Kingfisher, Indian Moorhen, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Spot-billed duck were found to be very low. Roy said, “The wetland and smaller reservoirs for the purpose of irrigation and flood control carries good aquatic habitat for water birds as exists on the Shivalik foothills in Punjab. But the state is losing birdlife habitat due to ignorance for aquatic wildlife conservation.” He said that the authority concerned needs to start conservation initiatives for the water birds and to sustain wetland habitat to attract large number of migratory species as well population growth of resident species. The AWC has already suggested the concerned officials of State Forest and Wildlife Department to regularly monitor the wildlife and biodiversity in the wetland habitat. Among other suggestions include bird census atleast twice in a year, conservation awareness among the adjacent villages, display birdlife conservation awareness boards at the wetlands, prepare a sustainable wildlife management plan and take coordinated effort with Irrigation and Fishery Department for habitat conservation, he added. When contacted, Dhirendra Singh, APCCF (CWWL), Punjab Wildlife Wing said, “The condition of wetlands under our Department is good. Some wetlands are under Science and Technology Department also.” “As far as the issue of water birds’ population is concerned, their population depends on several factors. During last winter, a large number of migratory birds were sighted at few wetlands in Punjab. The surveys findings can not be 100 per cent accurate,” he added.