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TN Govt to notify Dhanushkodi as Greater Flamingo Sanctuary

TN Govt to notify Dhanushkodi as Greater Flamingo Sanctuary

Chennai, Mar 14 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu government will initiate steps

to notify Dhanushkodi, serving as a key stopover for migratory birds,

as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary ensuring the protection of migratory

wetland birds and their natural ecosystem, Finance Minister Thangam

Thennarsu told the State Assembly on Friday.

Presenting the Budget for the year 2025-26 in the House, he said

with a 1,076 km coastline, Tamil Nadu boasts diverse marine

ecosystems, including tidal forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.

These ecosystems not only support coastal communities by providing

environmental and economic benefits but also serve as natural barriers

against sea erosion and rising sea levels.

"Recognizing our bounden duty to protect these invaluable resources,

the Government will establish a ‘Marine Resource Foundation’, with

an initial funding of Rs.50 crore, to focus on key initiatives such as

mangrove forest conservation and the adoption of modern fishing

practices to ensure sustainable marine resource management", he

said.

He also said steps will be taken to ensure that six beaches, Tiruvanmiyur,

Palavakkam, Uthandi in Chennai, Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi

district, Keezhputhupattu in Villupuram district and Samiyarpettai in

Cuddalore district, meet the 33 various criteria under marine water quality,

environmental education, overall environmental management, safety and

services, to receive Blue Flag certification in 2025-26, at an estimated

amount of Rs.24 crore.

The Minister sad ecologists regard the presence of raptors such as eagles,

hawks, and vultures as a key indicator of ecological balance and biodiversity.

However, these birds of prey, found in regions like the Nilgiris, Coimbatore,

Tirunelveli, Madurai- Aritapatti and Pallikaranai, are increasingly threatened

by habitat destruction and presence of toxic substances.

To address these challenges, a ‘Raptors Research Foundation’ will be

established with Rs.1 crore from the Endangered Species Conservation

Fund to develop conservation strategies and raise awareness among

local communities, Mr Thennarasu said.

He said the Dhanushkodi area, situated at the tip of Rameswaram Island

in Tamil Nadu, is home to diverse ecosystems such as sand dunes, marshes

and mangrove forests.

It also plays a crucial role in the Central Asian Flyway, serving as a key stopover

for migratory birds, including Greater Flamingos.

To safeguard this vital habitat and maintain biodiversity balance, steps will be

taken to notify Dhanushkodi as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary, ensuring the

protection of migratory wetland birds and their natural ecosystem, he said.

Stating that the Chengam landscape in Tiruvannamalai district is known for its

historical and ecological significance, he said celebrated in Sangam literature

itself, the area has been undergoing habitat degradation over time.

To restore its forest ecosystem, a biodiversity park spanning 1,000 hectares

will be developed in Melchengam, focusing on protecting endangered tree

species native to the Tamil landscape, promoting eco-tourism, and supporting

biodiversity conservation.

In addition to green spaces, the park will also feature nature tourism facilities.

In the first phase, Rs.10 crore will be provided for this initiative.

By systematically maintaining and upgrading roads in Tamil Nadu’s forest areas,

forest management will be strengthened, and the lives of people in remote hilly

regions, particularly tribal communities, will be significantly improved.

Taking these factors into account, a length of 500 kms of forest roads will be

upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs.250 crore, by converging various schemes,

in the financial year 2025-26.

UNI GV 1810

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