In the Bishkhali river between Shouljalia and Betagi in Kathalia upazila, Jhalakathi, lies a large char. It is home to many native birds, including tailorbirds, egrets, mynas, parrots, doves, owls, bulbuls, crows, shaliks, weaver birds, waterhens, kingfishers, cormorants, bou-kotha-kao, magpie robins, cuckoos, woodpeckers, kites and green pigeons, and several kinds of migratory birds shelter there in winter. Clay pots hang from trees so the birds can nest safely. Shouljalia union parishad looks after the char under the supervision of the upazila administration, which has named it 'Pakhir Char' (Birds' Char).

The Bishkhali rises at the confluence of the Sugandha-Gabkhan and Bishkhali rivers in Jhalakathi and winds 205 km south to the Bay of Bengal. The Kathalia upazila administration declared the char a bird sanctuary and put up signboards, giving Shouljalia union parishad responsibility for its upkeep and supervision.

The upazila administration and locals say 103.3 acres of South Shouljalia mouza will fall within the sanctuary. Bird hunting, cutting earth or trees, sand extraction and grazing cattle and buffalo are completely banned there. Signboards carry the slogan 'Let us be friends of birds' to keep nature green and beautiful.

Jhalakathi deputy commissioner Farah Gul Nijhum, senior district and sessions judge Md Waliul Islam and superintendent of police Md Afruzul Haque Tutul reached the char by speedboat from Shouljalia ferry ghat and inspected it on foot. Kathalia upazila nirbahi officer Md Nesar Uddin, officer-in-charge Md Nasir Uddin Sarkar and Shouljalia chairman Mahmud Hossain Ripon were present.

UP chairman Mahmud Hossain Ripon said the signboards were put up three years ago. The notice says no one may graze buffalo, cattle or goats there or use it for any other purpose, cut earth, sand or trees, or drop tamarisk or tree branches around the char as fish traps; each is a punishable offence. The char is a natural resource for all that protects the balance of the environment.

"In 2020, out of necessity to protect the natural balance, comprehensive measures were taken to maintain the bird char with the help of the upazila administration. We are constantly active in conserving it properly. We have several development plans, including a watchtower, to make it more attractive. One day nature lovers will crowd here to see the scenery," he said.

On behalf of the people of Shouljalia union, Ripon demanded that the char be named 'Sheikh Russel Ecopark' and developed further.

Upazila nirbahi officer Md Nesar Uddin said: "This scenic char that rose in the Bishkhali river 30 years ago has been declared a bird sanctuary. The birds will multiply and the balance of nature will be protected."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.