Chisapanigadhi that lies between Siraichuli and Upperdanggadhi in the hilly part of the district is not a common place. Anyone visiting this place is mesmerized by the sighting of rare birds, some of them seen never before.

Bird conservationists who have obviously realized and recongised the importance of Chisapanigadhi have demanded the government to take effective measures to protect it which, according to them, remains as the significant bird area.

Ornithologist Dr Hem Baral claimed that Chisapanigadhi is the world's model habitat for birds and it is the responsibility of the government to protect it, he asserted. "It is home to world's rare birds," he argued.

Of the birds that are found in Nepal, Chisapanigadhi is home to 38 rare species of birds including spiny babbler.

World Education Society Chitwan's outgoing chair and ornithologist Basu Bidari called for developing the site into a bird hub. The site is rich in biodiversity. Sufficiency of water for bird life, dense vegetation and peaceful atmosphere provide suitable nests for birds.

However, deforestation, encroachment on forest land, wildfires, haphazard construction of physical infrastructure and roadways have posed a threat to its biological importance and its must be immediately addressed, they said.

It is the responsibility of all for protecting the site, stressed Chitwan-based ornithologist Tika Giri.

One hundred and sixty-eight species of birds, out of 887 found in Nepal, are on the verge of extinction. Chitwan alone is the home to 636 species of birds, while 350 species are found in Chisapanigadhi. It is said the world is the home to 11,000 species of birds. RSS