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Many conservationists are fearing that thousand of birds would be killed this year again to meet the huge demand for feathers by Dhakis or, traditional drummers ahead of Durga Puja and Dussera festivities in West Bengal. Every year there is a big demand for birds' feathers as "Dhakis" use them to decorate their large drums. And, experts estimate about 25,000 birds might be killed ahead of the Dussehra and Durga Puja festivals. Conservationists have expressed concern over the widespread catching of Egrets, pheasants and herons as well as endangered open bill storks. They are usually killed or knocked down with arrows by many people ahead of two important festivals falling in September and October. Wild life authorities say that in most cases the birds are trapped and the feathers torn out or the birds are killed for the pristine while feathers. "People don't admit it voluntarily that they have killed any bird and taken out the feathers. But so many feathers are coming out in the market and we are concerned from where these are emerging. Following the tip off we get we nab culprits and to prosecute them," said Ujjal Bhattacharya, Chief Conservator of Forests, West Bengal government. "But this (killing birds for feathers) is not exclusively taking place only in Kolkata, it is quite widespread. Everywhere the Dhakis use feathers to decorate Dhaks (the drums). So we have launched an vigorous campaign even this year to spread awareness," said Bhattacharya. In fact the feathers are generally sold at the rate of 300 to 600 rupees (six to 13 dollars) per kilogram, depending on the colour and quality, in rural areas as well in Kolkata city. "Our is a family trade being followed for generations. The income is irregular. The feathers come at a high price and many schedule tribe members of a scheduled tribe here who catch birds and sell their feathers. "These are 'Bok' (egret) feathers. We need these to decorate our 'Dhaks'. The black hair-like decoration is actually the hair from the tail of a black cow. We buy that from Kolkata for Rs. 3, 000 per kilogram. The drummers buy feathers and cow tail hair to decorate their Dhaks. But those who can't afford have to do without it," said Avani Das, a Dhaki (drummer). However, authorities are meeting festivals organisers to urge them not to hire such drummers who may be having drums decorated with feathers. Vigil has also been increased in wetlands and other areas where the birds congregate. Most of the Dhakis often decorate their Dhaks in the name of tradition but never give attention to the fact that almost all birds are protected birds under Wildlife Protection Act of the country. Taking out feathers or killing Egret or Heron, is a punishable offence. Drummers participate in Dussehra and Durga festivities to add to the joy of devotees. Dussehra is celebrated to commemorate the victory of the Hindu god king, Rama, over Ravana, the demon king. Hundreds of drummers take part in these festivals to invoke the Gods and Goddesses and many decorate their drums with scores of feathers in the hope they can charge a higher price from festival organizers. Environmentalists say that these birds are also sold in clandestine markets from a few hundred to a thousand rupees, before their feathers are sliced and coloured to adorn drums. Wildlife agencies say poaching was adding to the declining bird population in India, already facing a threat from a shrinking habitat. Bird life International, a worldwide conservation group, recently warned that some 300 Asian bird species face extinction, particularly in India, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and China, due to poor protection and habitat destruction. In India, anyone convicted of killing a protected bird can be imprisoned for up to seven years or fined 5,000 rupees (110 dollars) or both.
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