Nuh:, March 22 -- A surprise visit by a birder to a reservoir in Nuh exposed a widespread and alarming illegal practice of migratory bird hunting - bringing to light not only the environmental threat posed by such unchecked poaching but also the deep-rooted socioeconomic challenges of the region that fuel these activities.

A visit by Hindustan Times to the Kotla reservoir revealed a thriving black market for migratory birds, flourishing amid manpower shortages in the forest department and minimal enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

Kotla, a seasonal haven for migratory birds that travel from as far as Central Asia and Europe, is around 60km from Gurugram. Every year, thousands of birds make their journey to these wetlands, resting ...