JCBs, tractors at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary spark outrage in peak season

The world-famous Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, also known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is witnessing an unusual disturbance. Dozens of JCBs and tractors have entered the protected area during peak migratory season, breaking its calm and unsettling both birds and visitors.

February is when the sanctuary is teeming with lakhs of indigenous and migratory birds across its wetlands and woodlands. It is also a peak period for birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers from around the world.

This year, however, the sudden arrival of heavy machinery has disrupted Bharatpur’s tranquility, with machines moving through prime birding areas.

Visitor outrage

“It's the tractors… There are JCBs going around. I've seen six JCBs today. So that's definitely not a small number,” said Mohit, a bird photographer who travelled from London.

He added that during migratory season, when birds are nesting, such activity should not be happening. “If you see, there are very less birds right now in Bharatpur,” he said, questioning the rationale behind bringing heavy machinery into a designated silent zone.

Other visitors echoed similar concerns, saying the machines disturb bird life and the overall experience, though some admitted they were unaware of the exact motive or duration of the operation.

Official explanation

Spread over 29 sq km, the Unesco World Heritage Site hosts over 370 bird species between November and early March, including painted storks, pelicans, bar-headed geese and marsh harriers.

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Assistant Forest Conservator Chetan Kumar BV acknowledged the disturbance but said the operation is necessary to remove an invasive plant species known as Juliflora or Prosopis juliflora.

“Prosopis juliflora happens to be a very troublesome weed,” Kumar said. “In these woodlands what we observe is Prosopis juliflora is a major weed. If we can get rid of all the mother trees at one go, it will help address this.”

Weed removal drive

Forest officials explained that the aggressive species destroys surrounding vegetation, outcompetes native plants and disrupts the natural habitat. The current drive targets removal across 400–500 hectares.

“We need at least four working months even with JCB, labour and all,” Kumar said, adding that the exercise has been ongoing for years but with a larger target this year.

The work was originally scheduled for August–September, but heavy rains and muddy terrain made vehicle movement impossible. Now that the ground is accessible, officials say this is the only available window to carry out the operation.

Ecological impact

While removing invasive Juliflora could benefit the park’s long-term ecological health, the presence of heavy machinery during migratory season remains contentious.

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Many bird species are extremely sensitive to disturbance. Once disrupted, they may abandon their preferred habitats and choose not to return.

“I personally believe that they could have chosen a better time. Not now, not when all the migratory birds are coming in,” the reporter noted, leaving viewers to weigh both sides of the debate.

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