Green capital to become haven for migratory birds
It is said that birds are immigrants without borders and with changing seasons, they change their habitats.
The migratory birds from China descend on Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Azad Kashmir, and northern areas in November as the weather back home turns cold.
They lay eggs and stay in Pakistan until the hatchlings and nestlings grow up after which the winged migrants return to their homeland.
For the protection of wildlife and local and migratory birds, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqat said that Islamabad was being turned green in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan. While talking to The Express Tribune, the official said that the plantation drives would mitigate environmental pollution in the capital territory.
He added that the work on urban forests in the rural areas of Islamabad is under way in full swing.
Shafqat said that the plantation would also enhance wildlife, improve the ecosystem while trees would become dwellings of local and migratory birds.
He explained that birds also played a role in the plantation as they carry seeds in their beaks and drop them sporadically.
DC urged the people to cooperate with the government in making the federal capital green.
Shafqat said birds make the atmosphere pleasant with their melodious chirps and the sounds captivate the hearts of the listeners, especially at dawn and dusk.
Further, a wildlife photographer Irshad Sheikh said that capturing photos of birds was a difficult task. He added that he has bought expensive equipment and special dresses for performing the task.
Sheikh said that for the past 20 years, he had traveled to Islamabad, Murree, Abbottabad, and high altitude sites in northern areas and Azad Kashmir.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 22nd, 2021.