University of Calcutta

Science Communication Internal

assessment (Assignment)

Topic Name: Chintamoni Kar Bird

Sanctuary and its environmental
significance.
Registration No. – 133-1212-0032-23
Class Roll No. – C91/GEO/231037
Department – Geography
Semester – 3rd
Session – 2023-2025
 Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary: A Haven for Biodiversity and
Environmental Significance
The Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, located in Narendrapur, West Bengal, is a refuge for nature
enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists. Spanning
approximately 17 acres, this sanctuary combines ecological
richness with immense environmental importance, making it a
vital green space in an increasingly urbanized landscape.

Figure 1: Chintamoni Kar Entrance gate

History and Location: The sanctuary’s history is rooted in
community-driven conservation efforts. Initially called Kayaler Bagan, it was a privately owned orchard
known for its diverse vegetation. Over time, as urbanization threatened the area, local
environmentalists, led by artist and activist Chintamoni Kar, fought to preserve it as a natural haven.
Their efforts culminated in 2005 when it was officially
designated a sanctuary and named after Kar as a tribute
to his contributions.

Its location, roughly 20 kilometers from Kolkata, makes

it a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Situated within a rapidly urbanizing region, the
sanctuary underscores the necessity of conserving
natural habitats to counter the environmental
degradation often associated with urban expansion.
Figure2: Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary

Flora and Fauna: The sanctuary’s biodiversity is one of its most striking features. Its dense canopy
consists of a mix of fruit-bearing trees, bamboo groves, and flowering plants, providing shelter and

Figure 3: Natural vegetation canopy

nourishment to various wildlife species. Native trees such as mango, jackfruit, and tamarind dominate
the landscape, creating a haven for animals and birds alike.

Among the avian species recorded, barbets,

parakeets, and owls are particularly
common. Seasonal visitors like migratory
warblers and flycatchers add to the allure for
birdwatchers. Apart from birds, the
sanctuary harbours small mammals, reptiles,
butterflies, and a range of insects, which play Figure 4: Coriolus Versicolor Fungi (common Polypore Mushroom)
essential roles in maintaining ecological
balance.

Flora – The Green Backbone – trees like Mango trees (Mangifera indica), Jackfruit trees (Artocarpus
heterophyllus), Tamarind trees (Tamarindus indica),
Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), Neem trees
(Azadirachta indica) Other plants like
passionflowers (Passiflora spp.), wild ferns
(Pteridophyta spp.), and Indian cork trees
(Millingtonia hortensis) add to the sanctuary’s
Figure 5: Natural water body (Swamp) Covered by Native botanical diversity.
vegetation

Birds – The sanctuary is home to over 150 bird species, including

residents and seasonal migrators. Some of them are Coppersmith
Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus), Indian Paradise Flycatcher
(Terpsiphone paradisi), White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon
smyrnensis), Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus).

Figure 6: Spotted Dove

Reptiles – Indian Cobra (Naja naja), Common Indian Monitor

(Varanus bengalensis) are found here.
Butterflies and Insects – Common Mormon (Papilio polytes),
Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus), Honeybees (Apis dorsata) are
common butterfly and insect species.

Figure7: Black Drongo

Mammals – Indian Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) and Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus medius)
can be very commonly found in the protected area.
The interdependence of flora and
fauna within the sanctuary ensures
the sustainability of its ecosystem.
For instance, trees provide nesting
grounds for birds, while birds aid in
Figure 9: Common Squirrel
seed dispersal, fostering the growth
Figure 8: Forest Mouse of vegetation.

Environmental Importance: The environmental role of the Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary cannot be
overstated. Its trees act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen,
helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. This makes the sanctuary a valuable resource for
countering air pollution in and around Kolkata, which experiences significant environmental stress due
to industrial and vehicular emissions.

Additionally, the sanctuary aids in groundwater recharge, ensuring that rainwater seeps into the soil
and replenishes underground aquifers. This is particularly important in urban settings, where paved
surfaces often lead to water runoff and reduced water table levels. The sanctuary’s vegetation also
prevents soil erosion, especially during heavy rains, protecting the area’s fragile topsoil.

Another critical environmental function is the regulation of the local microclimate. The dense greenery
helps lower temperatures and maintain humidity levels, creating a cooler and more hospitable
environment in its immediate vicinity.

Changes Over Time: Over the years, the Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary has experienced both positive
and negative changes. Historically, the area served as an orchard and agricultural land, evolving into a
natural forest over time due to limited human intervention. This transformation allowed wildlife to
flourish, establishing the area as an ecological hotspot.

However, urbanization has brought challenges. The encroachment of human settlements and
infrastructure development has increased noise and air pollution, which can disturb the birds and other
animals. Habitat fragmentation caused by nearby construction has further stressed the ecosystem.
Efforts to counter these changes, including reforestation and boundary maintenance, have been
somewhat successful, but long-term sustainability requires continued vigilance.

On the positive side, the sanctuary’s accessibility has improved, attracting more visitors and raising
awareness about its ecological value. The growing interest in ecotourism and birdwatching has
encouraged authorities to maintain the sanctuary while educating visitors about responsible tourism
practices.

A Haven for Birdwatchers: For bird enthusiasts, the sanctuary offers an unparalleled experience. Over
150 bird species have been spotted, with many rare and migratory birds making it a seasonal attraction.
The Coppersmith Barbet, known for its distinctive call, and the Indian Paradise Flycatcher, with its
elegant tail feathers, are some highlights.

Birdwatchers often find the sanctuary’s early mornings and late

afternoons ideal for spotting these birds in their natural habitat.
The lack of vehicular traffic and urban noise allows visitors to
enjoy the serene
sounds of chirping

Figure10: Black Hooded Oriole birds and rustling

leaves, creating a
peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

Guided tours and informative signage enhance the experience,

helping both amateur and experienced birdwatchers
understand the behaviour and significance of the species they
encounter.
Figure 11: Jungle Babbler

Conservation Challenges and Efforts: Despite its importance, the sanctuary faces significant
conservation challenges. Encroachments by nearby developments threaten to reduce its size, while the
increasing human footfall has led to disturbances in wildlife behaviour. Noise and air pollution from
surrounding areas further exacerbate these issues, disrupting the
sanctuary’s tranquil environment.

To address these threats, the West Bengal Forest Department, in

collaboration with local NGOs and residents, has implemented
several measures. These
include afforestation
programs, stricter
regulations to prevent
poaching, and community
awareness campaigns about Figure 13: Conservation Effort

the sanctuary’s importance.

Figure 12: Pollution Control Effort
Educational programs also encourage visitors to act as guardians of the sanctuary by minimizing their
impact.

The participation of local communities has been crucial in these efforts. Cleanup drives and the
monitoring of suspicious activities help ensure the sanctuary remains a safe haven for its inhabitants.

Ecotourism and Education: The Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary serves as a model for sustainable
ecotourism. Visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines that promote respect for the environment, such
as maintaining silence, avoiding littering,
and not disturbing wildlife. These
practices not only protect the sanctuary
but also enhance the visitor experience.

The sanctuary doubles as an outdoor

classroom, offering students and
researchers a chance to study
biodiversity in its natural setting. Field
trips organized by schools and colleges
provide young learners with firsthand
Figure 14: List of Do’s and Don’ts
knowledge about ecological
interactions and the importance of conservation. Such experiences instill a sense of responsibility in the
next generation, ensuring long-term support for environmental preservation.

Conclusion: The Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary exemplifies the delicate balance between nature and
human activity. Its environmental importance, from carbon sequestration to groundwater replenishment,
makes it a crucial asset in the fight against climate change and urban pollution. At the same time, its
rich biodiversity serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life forms.

The changes the sanctuary has undergone over time highlight the dual forces of natural resilience and
human impact. While challenges persist, ongoing conservation efforts and public awareness can ensure
its survival and prosperity.

By visiting, supporting, and protecting the Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, we contribute not only to
preserving a local treasure but also to safeguarding our planet’s ecological future. The sanctuary’s story
serves as a call to action for communities worldwide to value and protect the natural habitats that sustain
life on Earth.