Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park faced significant environmental challenges this month, primarily due to prolonged periods of unhealthy air quality and insufficient rainfall. Despite consistently high humidity and frequent thunderstorm activity, soil moisture remained low, indicating drought stress. Wildlife, however, appeared to thrive amidst these conditions.
Threats
Persistent and widespread haze due to fine particulate matter significantly degraded air quality, often reaching "Unhealthy" levels (152-187 5g/m3), potentially impacting respiratory health for flora and fauna.
Despite high humidity and frequent thunderstorm activity, actual rainfall was insufficient, leading to consistently low soil moisture (13.9-31%) and low river flow (0.1-0.4 m3/s), indicating water stress.
A fire detected 55 kilometers away, combined with low soil moisture, raises a potential but currently distant wildfire threat to the park.
Solutions
- →Implement advanced air quality monitoring to identify specific pollution sources and advocate for regional emission controls.
- →Develop and enact water conservation strategies, including restoring natural water retention features, to improve soil moisture and river flow.
- →Enhance wildfire preparedness and early warning systems, including community engagement, given the detected distant fire and dry conditions.
- →Conduct targeted ecological surveys to assess the impact of prolonged dry spells and poor air quality on sensitive wetland species.
Species spotted
Axis axis
animals · 23 sightings
Lesser Adjutant
birds · 5 sightings
