Guwahati, Aug. 19 -- The recent sighting of the Ruddy Shelduck in the wetlands around Sualkuchi has attracted bird enthusiasts and sparked concerns about the ongoing degradation of Assam's wetland ecosystems.

Birdwatchers and locals recognize the Ruddy Shelduck, or Brahminy duck, as a species deeply embedded in Assamese folklore and poetry. Today, its presence draws attention to the growing threats facing these vital habitats.

Experts warn that if authorities and communities fail to act promptly, encroachment, pollution, and climate change will continue to degrade the wetlands that support these migratory birds.

"Wetlands serve as the lungs of the Brahmaputra valley," said a senior environmentalist from Guwahati. "When we allow them to...