Is Ranchi’s Cleanup Effort Enough to Save Migratory Birds from Pollution?

Ranchi: With the onset of winter, Ranchi’s ponds and lakes are being spruced up to welcome flocks of migratory birds expected to arrive in the coming weeks.Following post-Chhath cleanup drives, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has intensified efforts to rejuvenate major water bodies by clearing waste, sludge, and invasive weeds to create a healthy habitat for winged visitors.According to officials, the cleaning operation covers major ponds such as Kanke Dam, Dhurwa Dam, Bada Talab, and Line Tank Talab, which usually attract species like Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Pintail, Asian openbill, black headed ibis and Red-Crested Pochard between November and February.“We’re using an amphibious excavator and weed harvester to remove water hyacinth and sludge. After the machines clear the surface, our teams manually collect the waste and load it onto trucks” said Ajay Kumar, a sanitation worker at Bada Talab.RMC officials said tonnes of alum are being used to neutralise foul odour and improve water quality. In several ponds, biological agents that help break down organic matter have been added to accelerate natural cleaning.Environmental experts, too, stressed the need for sustained efforts beyond seasonal cleanups. Ranchi University geologist and environmentalist Nitish Priyadarshi said, “While mechanical cleaning is essential, it’s important to address domestic sewage, idol immersion, and waste discharge. Unless water pollution is scientifically treated, migratory birds will struggle to survive in the long run.”“A clean pond supports aquatic insects and small organisms, which become a natural food source for migratory birds. Maintaining this ecological balance is crucial for their breeding and return each year,” he added.