Migratory Bird Hunting Banned in Jatinga-Doiheng High-powered lights and long poles also prohibited

 Haflong, August 28: With the arrival of migratory birds in Jatinga and Doiheng areas of Dima Hasao district during the autumn season, the district administration has imposed a ban on hunting, killing and capturing migratory birds in and around the two areas.

District Magistrate Gayatri Devidas Hyalinge issued the prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, corresponding to the erstwhile Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

According to the administration, migratory birds visit different locations in the Jatinga and Doiheng areas every year between August and November. To ensure their safety, personnel of the Forest Department maintain round-the-clock surveillance and conduct regular patrolling in the areas during the migratory season.

The monitoring is aimed not only at preventing hunting and illegal capture by humans but also at protecting the birds from predators. The latest administrative action follows information furnished by the Divisional Forest Officer, Dima Hasao Forest Division (West), Haflong. The Forest Department had informed the district administration about the arrival of migratory birds and the need for enhanced protection through a letter dated August 24.

The order also prohibits the use of high-powered halogen lights, long poles and other equipment that could be used to trap or capture birds. Thus, action can be taken not only against those directly involved in hunting or capturing birds but also against activities or equipment used to facilitate such offences.

The administrative order is being viewed as an important step towards protecting migratory birds in the Jatinga-Doiheng region. The seasonal arrival of the birds attracts considerable interest among local residents and tourists, raising concerns that the birds could be trapped, hunted or captured for illegal trade.

The administration has made it clear that anyone violating the order will face legal action under the applicable law. Those found killing, hunting or capturing migratory birds, or using prohibited equipment for the purpose, could therefore face stringent action.

The district administration and the Forest Department are expected to intensify surveillance in the coming days to prevent bird hunting and ensure a safe habitat for migratory birds in the Jatinga-Doiheng areas.