While Corona virus pandemic was threatening the existence of human beings throughout the globe, the natural environment of Uttara Gonobhaban has imbued with the serenity and tranquility with the chirping of hundreds of varieties of birds.
However, the nature lovers in Natore have expressed their worry at the decision of the government to reopen the entry of visitors inside the Gonobhaban and said, such a decision will surely hamper the free roaming, nesting and breeding of birds. They have demanded to cancel the decision of reopening the Gonobhaban premises for the visitors.
It is learnt, Uttara Gonobhaban during the normal period is full of bustling visitors. The visitors are allowed to enter the Gonobhaban premises under the payment of an amount of entry fees. Now, there being no presence of visitors the floral gardens and orchards surrounding the Gonobhaban have got a fresh facelift. The entire premises are now enchanted with the chirping and call of the melodious birds.
Situated on 44 acres of land, once the Dighaptiya Rajbari, has now been turned into Uttara Gonobhaban. The entire premise surrounding the building is filled with many rare trees. Hundreds of varieties of birds have now made nests on the branches of those trees. Due to absence of visitors during the Corona pandemic period, the entire Gonobhaban areas have now turned to a sanctuary of birds, reptiles and insects.
The rows of nearly a hundred year aged Palm trees inside and surrounding the Gonobhaban are shelters of hudreds of parrots. Early in the morning, those parrots come out in flocks in search of food and return during the evening by filling the air with the sound of chirping of thousands.
In addition to innumerous varieties of local birds, the entire Gonobhaban areas are now filled with various birds including the Harichacha (Rufous treepie), Pankouri (Phalacrocorax or Cormorant), Wood Pecker, Fisheater Eagle, Hawks, Pati Sarali ( Whistling Duck), Storks, Dahuk (Water hen), Mynah, Green Doves, Owls and varieties of migratory birds.
It is learnt, on June-15, 2018, Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources Kabir Bin Anowar inaugurated the Birds Sanctuary in Uttara Gonobhaban. Pitchers have been tied to the branches of the trees to ease the birds to make nests there.
The Corona virus pandemic has changed the entire scenario of the Gonobhaban. There is no more thoroughfares of people inside, no chaos and no sounds. The entire area is also free from dirt and garbages. There having no pollution, the nature appears to its serene beauty here.
Nature lovers in Natore, however, demanded to stop the entrance of the visitors inside Gonobhaban even during the normal period. They also demanded not to lease the mango trees of the Gonbhaban areas to ensure food security of the birds. Moreover, they said, some best quality mangoes from the trees of Gonobhaban should rather be sent to the Prime Minister and to the foreign dignitaries.
Shamim Ahmed,Deputy Commissioner of Natore informed according to the direction of the government, the Uttara Gono Bhaban and the Palace of Rani Bhabani will be opened for the visitors from Thursday. The visitors should enter the areas by following health rules and maintaining social distance.
