Over the years, cattle egrets have increasingly become a common sight in Gelephu Thromde. During summers, they are spotted around the town area feeding on insects. The biggest problem with the bird is their pungent smell droppings. The people are asking the Thromde to come up with ways to deal with the birds.
Cattle egrets are spotted on trees building nests and feeding on insects in wide open lands. The birds fly to sub-tropical regions like Gelephu to breed and feed during summers. And this has been happening for quite a long time. The birds make pests of themselves every time they visit.
“Trees are a respite in hot weather not only for the people here but for the birds as well. But it is their dropping that is the problem. They end up making the surroundings dirty. We clean the area every morning before opening the shop. But still, customers complain of the stinking smell when they visit our shop,” complained Khando Wangmo, a tailor in Gelephu.
“The area smells due to the birds’ droppings. It’s better when it rains, but the smell is terrible on a hot sunny day. We have no alternative besides cleaning once in the morning,” said Mukti Maya Tamang, also a tailor.
“I feel that if the trees are cut down the issue will be resolved. Moreover, there is a risk of spreading different diseases. Our workplace is here and it’s very inconvenient,” reiterated Aita Maya Rai, a tailor.
“When we travel around this area, the birds poop on our car window. Some chicks fall to the ground and die. And they end up emitting a terrible smell,” said Duglal Adikari, a taxi driver.
The people proposed cutting down trees as a suitable solution. However, according to Thromde’s Chief Environment Officer, the office will be able to fell trees only during winter to avoid disrupting the power supply during the summer.
“Right now, if you visit the site, the tree is used by birds for breeding purposes. If you visit now you will see lots of chicks and eggs under breeding. We can’t immediately take down the trees and we are waiting for the winter when the chicks will be grown up and then they will vacate the place,” said Chief Environment Officer of Gelephu Thromde, Tenzin Wangchuk.
He added that cattle egrets visit the Gelephu area mainly to breed and feed when their habitat in the Indian border areas is disturbed by natural disasters during summer. They make a new home in a residential neighbourhood to protect themselves from the wild animals. The migratory birds start coming to Gelephu towards the end of May and go back in October.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sonam Pem
