Guwahati, Jan 7 Residents in Guwahati claimed that the migratory birds flocking to the region are available in the markets for prospective customers.

During the winter season in Assam, a large number of migratory birds come here, spend the whole winter and go back to their homeland Europe.

Situated on the outskirts of Guwahati, Deepor Beel is a hot wetland visited by increasing number of migratory birds every year. People for Animal, an NGO has recently rescued some migratory birds from traps.

"The core thing is, if there are buyers then definitely there will be people to kill them. If nobody had bought them, they would not have been killed. They should be treated with proper care because even they are our guests," said Sangeeta Goswami, an activist, People for nimal.

According to the residents, these birds are caught and are sold for Rs 300 a pair. The rampant sale of the tourist birds is reported from across the state.

The recovered birds are 'Takahe' and 'Pintails'. The former is an endangered specy found in New Zealand whereas the latter comes from Europe.

"We have been here since childhood, catching fish and sailing boats. A large number of birds from abroad come here and we also know that the birds are being killed," said Dhan, a boatman.

The threat to these birds has become a cause of grave concern. India has many natural and man-made wetlands hosting thousands of migratory birds every winter. By Peter Alex Todd (ANI)