Berhampur, Odisha: In a significant move to curb wildlife crime, the Odisha Forest Department arrested a 35-year-old man for poaching migratory birds in the ecologically sensitive Chilika Lake area. The accused, identified as Pradeep Mallick from the Bhusandapur region, was apprehended after forest officials found carcasses of 33 birds packed in two gunny bags during a routine patrol near a waterbody under the Chilika Wildlife Division.

According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Chilika Wildlife Division, Amlan Nayak, the birds discovered in Mallick’s possession belonged to three different species—Northern Shoveller, Northern Pintail, and Pheasant-tailed Jacana—all of which are listed under the schedule category of the Wildlife Protection Act. The presence of these species in Chilika Lake underscores the ecological importance of the site, which serves as a wintering ground for several lakhs of migratory birds arriving from the northern hemisphere each year.

During the arrest, Mallick was caught red-handed, while another accused involved in the poaching activity managed to escape. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the second individual. “The Forest Department is actively pursuing all leads to bring the other accused to justice,” Nayak said, stressing the seriousness with which wildlife crime is treated in Odisha.

Forensic Investigation and Disposal of Carcasses

Following the recovery of the birds, tissue samples from the carcasses were collected and sent to a forensic laboratory for analysis. This step is part of a broader effort to gather scientific evidence that can support prosecution under wildlife protection laws. Once post-mortem analysis was completed, the carcasses were buried in accordance with standard procedures to prevent contamination and ensure environmental safety.

“The forensic examination not only helps in confirming the species and number of birds poached but also provides critical evidence regarding the tools and methods used in the illegal activity,” Nayak explained. Such data is essential in building a legal case against the poachers, ensuring that offenders face appropriate punishment under Indian wildlife laws.

Chilika Lake: An Ecological Treasure Under Threat

Chilika Lake, spread across 1,165 square kilometres and spanning the districts of Khurda, Ganjam, and Puri, is one of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoons and a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance. Every year, since the second week of October, millions of migratory birds descend upon the lake, including species from Siberia, Central Asia, and other northern regions. The arrival of these birds transforms Chilika into a hub of biodiversity and ecological activity, attracting ornithologists, conservationists, and tourists alike.

However, this annual congregation also presents opportunities for illegal poachers who target birds for meat, trade, or other purposes. The Odisha Forest Department has acknowledged the increasing threat posed by poaching, which can have long-term consequences for bird populations, local ecosystems, and the conservation status of endangered species.

Enhanced Surveillance and Anti-Poaching Measures

To combat poaching, the Forest Department has intensified surveillance across Chilika Lake. Measures include round-the-clock patrolling of key areas where birds congregate, such as Nalabana and Tangi ranges, which are known hotspots for migratory bird populations. In addition to physical patrols, officials have deployed drones to monitor remote and inaccessible sections of the lake for illegal activities.

A total of 21 temporary anti-poaching camps have been established throughout the lake, serving as both observation points and rapid response centres for field staff. These camps allow forest personnel to monitor bird habitats continuously and intercept poachers before they can escape with their catches. “The camps have significantly enhanced our ability to keep watch over sensitive bird congregation areas and act immediately upon any illegal activity,” Nayak said.

The Forest Department has also strengthened its intelligence network by engaging with local communities and informants to collect actionable information on potential poaching incidents. By combining modern technology with community-based intelligence, authorities aim to create a multi-layered approach to wildlife protection in the Chilika Lake region.

Legal Framework and Punitive Measures

The poaching of birds in Chilika Lake is a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits hunting, capturing, or killing protected species without authorization. Schedule-listed species, like those found in Mallick’s possession, are afforded the highest degree of legal protection, and offenders can face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

By apprehending Mallick, the Forest Department has sent a strong message that poaching will not be tolerated and that legal consequences will follow for anyone attempting to harm migratory bird populations. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and authorities are expected to file formal charges in court once evidence collection and forensic analysis are complete.

Community Engagement and Awareness Efforts

The Forest Department has also emphasised the importance of community involvement in protecting Chilika Lake’s wildlife. Local residents, fishermen, and other stakeholders are being encouraged to report suspicious activities, cooperate with patrolling teams, and participate in awareness programs about the ecological significance of migratory birds and wetlands.

Such community engagement is critical for long-term conservation, as local populations often play a vital role in preventing poaching, illegal trade, and habitat destruction. The department has initiated educational campaigns to sensitize communities about the international importance of Chilika Lake, its bird species, and the legal ramifications of poaching.

Challenges in Wildlife Conservation

Despite these measures, poaching remains a persistent threat due to the economic incentives involved and the vastness of the lake, which makes continuous monitoring challenging. Authorities face logistical difficulties in covering remote areas and ensuring timely action against offenders. The use of drones, temporary camps, and intelligence networks represents a modern approach to overcoming these challenges, combining technology and human oversight.

Experts note that wildlife crime not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines eco-tourism potential and the ecological balance of the wetland. Chilika Lake’s health is intrinsically linked to the migratory birds that rely on it for food and breeding. Disruption of these species can have cascading effects on fish populations, aquatic vegetation, and local livelihoods dependent on sustainable wetland use.

Conclusion

The arrest of Pradeep Mallick by the Odisha Forest Department highlights both the persistent threat of poaching and the proactive measures being implemented to protect migratory birds in Chilika Lake. By combining patrolling, forensic analysis, drone surveillance, temporary anti-poaching camps, and community engagement, authorities are working to safeguard this internationally important wetland and its unique avian populations.

As migratory birds continue to arrive in Chilika Lake during the winter season, the Forest Department remains vigilant, ensuring that poaching activities are detected early and offenders are held accountable under the law. The recent arrest serves as a reminder that wildlife protection is a collective responsibility, requiring coordination between government agencies, local communities, and conservationists to preserve India’s natural heritage for future generations.