An adult Oriental darter, a rare and near-threatened species according to the IUCN, was spotted by birder Yash Shetty on Sunday at the wetland near Sector 26, Kharghar. Standing approximately two feet tall with large wings, the darter made an imposing presence among the other bird species at the wetland. Shetty noted that sightings of the Oriental darter in this area are uncommon, with the last recorded sighting occurring two years ago.

The Oriental darter is a special sight for bird watchers due to its distinctive body structure, characterized by a long neck and a unique hunting style in which it twists its neck to catch fish underwater. This rare appearance has excited local birders but also highlighted the growing environmental concerns threatening the wetland.

Construction work for a coastal road near the wetland's entrance has already begun, leading to increased pollution from dust and noise, which is disrupting the area's natural habitat. Additionally, the encroachment near the wetland is causing alarm among birders and environmentally conscious citizens, as the Kharghar wetland's flora and fauna are under threat. Environmentalists are calling for immediate measures to protect the biodiversity of this vital ecosystem.