Recreation tramples bird nesting site
Gurugram, July 2 -- A makeshift badminton court built deep inside Bhondsi's forest stretch has sparked fresh alarm among birders and conservationists, who say the forest department's repeated assurances of habitat protection have failed again.
The court has come dangerously close to active nests during peak breeding season in an ecologically sensitive area that, just three months ago, was at the centre of a similar controversy over a volleyball net and a blanket ban on birdwatchers.
The latest structure, tucked behind a locked gate near a recently expanded temple parking lot, lies hidden from plain sight but well within what locals and wildlife experts identify as forest land. According to regular visitors, it was initially placed in front of the parking area but was quietly shifted into the forest, allegedly to avoid detection.
"This is peak nesting season for the Indian Paradise Flycatcher and Grey Hornbill, both highly sensitive to disturbance. Any human activity can cause them to abandon their nests," said Nishant Rana, a Delhi-based birder. "It's shocking that even after repeated appeals to protect this patch, recreational setups are still coming up."
The site is home to several protected species, including the Indian Grey Hornbill, Jungle Babbler, Golden Oriole, Drongo, Coppersmith Barbet, and Yellow-footed Green Pigeon.
"We saw construction material being moved inside last week, and by Tuesday, the court was ready. The area is full of nests right now. These activities will only worsen the decline of birdlife," added Maan Singh, another birder who raised the alarm on Tuesday.
Forest officials confirmed they had received complaints and said action would follow. "Our team will conduct an inspection of the site on Wednesday. If the court is found within the forest boundary and close to nesting sites, it will be removed immediately," said Ramkumar Jangra, divisional forest officer (DFO), Gurugram. "We took similar action in April after HT highlighted a similar illegal net within Bhondsi."
But conservationists say earlier actions have had little deterrent effect.
In April, HT reported that the forest department had imposed a blanket ban on birdwatchers, including restrictions on photography and movement, allegedly to protect nesting birds and curb poaching.
Yet, volleyball nets were allowed inside core nesting zones, particularly that of the red-wattled lapwing, a ground-nesting species.
"This is blatant discrimination," said Anil Kumar Rohilla, a seasoned birder. "Birders are being targeted because they carry cameras, while influential individuals continue to gain access. Trees are being felled, canals encroached, and those of us trying to protect this space are being kept out."
Rana had earlier alleged a fellow birder's camera was confiscated. "Birding is environmental stewardship, not a crime," he had said.
With Bhondsi Forest supporting nearly 46% of Haryana's bird species and facing pressures from illegal construction, encroachment, and dumping, conservationists are once again calling for transparency in access, better patrolling, and collaboration with ecologists....
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