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