Margao: Amidst the opposition to the declaration of the Durga lake in Chinchinim and a proposal to rejuvenate it along with 74 other water bodies as part of the ambitious Amrit Sarovar Project, there has been a decline in migratory birds visiting the lake.

The Durga lake is home to approximately 60 different species of birds, including 40 residential ones and around 20 migratory birds. People in the past have spotted grey herons, eagles to whistling ducks and attracts a large number of visitors.

Villagers informed that a lot of people especially youth from other areas are attracted to the lake due to its scenic beauty, however, like all other places the lake is suffering due to dumping of garbage, plastic bags, pet bottles etc, which is slowly chocking the water body.

Mable Menezes of Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) informed, “We do not know the exact reason but regulars like the migratory ducks, (Northen pin tales) have not arrived at the lake this season. We cannot pinpoint the exact reason but perhaps it is due to decline in the quality of water. However, other migratory birds were also spotted at the lake.” Local panch member Greson Gomes said that while the lake has been proposed to be rejuvenated, no work has started yet adding, “The lake is a sight to behold particularly when a large number of birds take refuge.”