Panaji: The villagers of Chimbel have long argued that habitat disruption caused by the Unity Mall project could affect both resident and migratory bird species, reducing biodiversity and fragmenting ecosystems that remained intact for decades.The bird survey conducted in Jan 2025 at the eco-sensitive Toyyar Lake as part of the All Goa Waterbird Count (AWC) 2025 listed 46 species of birds at the wetland.The bird count, which covered 36 lakes across the state, was organised by the Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) with participation from local birders.During the survey, surveyors covered a distance of 0.68km around Toyyar Lake in Chimbel.“Based on the survey, finding 46 birds in such a small lake is not an insignificant matter. It is evidence of the rich biodiversity of the wetland,” said Manjit Gawas, president GBCN.The survey noted the presence of the rock pigeon (columba livia), classified as an exotic species.According to the survey, this naturalised population is self-sustaining, breeding in the wild and persisting without ongoing human introduction.Other notable sightings included the white-browed bulbul (pycnonotus luteolus), described in the survey as “very common on the plateau”, as well as blyth’s reed warbler (acrocephalus dumetorum) and the greater racket-tailed drongo (dicrurus paradiseus), both listed as “heard and seen at different locations” around the lake.Among the other species recorded were the spotted dove (spilopelia chinensis), greater coucal (centropus sinensis parroti), asian koel (eudynamys scolopaceus), and the grey-bellied cuckoo (cacomantis passerinus).The grey-bellied cuckoo highlights the importance of Toyyar Lake as a seasonal refuge. A small cuckoo typically found in open forests, it is known for its distinctive high-pitched call and migratory behaviour.The Unity Mall project in Chimbel triggered widespread opposition, with local residents and environmental groups warning that development could irreversibly damage the fragile ecosystem.GBCN is currently carrying out the All Goa Waterbird Count (AWC) 2026, and the bird survey for Toyyar Lake is expected to be held in the first week of Feb.
