GUNTUR: At a time when the protected bird sanctuaries like Kolleru in Krishna and Telineelapuram in Srikakulam districts are facing rough weather from powerful industrial lobbies, the forest wing has made the irrigation department cough up funds to protect a similar sanctuary located in Uppalapadu village in Guntur district. Owing to pressure from the forest officials, the irrigation authorities recently released Rs 2 crore for the Uppalapadu project under environment protection funds of Krishna delta modernisation works.
The irrigation department has recently taken up Krishna delta modernisation works at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore. Taking a clause on reserving funds for environmental protection on all project spendings, the forest department withheld NOC for the Krishna delta works, demanding release of its due. As per the norms, 0.1 per cent of the total cost of the project should be spared towards safeguarding environment.
Sources said the forest department would spend the amount for upgradation of Uppalapadu bird sanctuary near here. In addition to providing more shelters for the migrating winged wonders, the department is also planning to attract more number of tourists to the sanctuary.
Uppalapadu shelters painted storks, spot-billed pelicans and other rare birds that migrate from countries like Siberia and Australia. The forest department has been struggling to manage the sanctuary ever since it was brought under its control from the local panchayat a few years ago due to paucity of funds.
Sources said the bird population at the sanctuary has been witnessing a steady growth particularly after the nearby Kolleru sanctuary size shrunk. According to unofficial estimates, over 20,000 birds take shelter in the seven-acre water tank in Uppalapadu. "We have decided to develop another tank spreading over around six acres keeping in view of the growing bird population," DFO Srinivasa Sastry told TOI.
In addition, the forest department would also takeover a primary school located adjacent to the sanctuary to develop a bird museum. Sastry said that another 6-7 acres of land would be available once the school premises is taken over. "We will also lay circular roads around the lake and provide clean environment to attract more birds," Sastry said.
Officials said more saplings and shrubs would be planted to give shelter to more number of migratory birds. Sources said efforts are on to attract bill, and grey pelicans and pintail ducks, which once used to flock the village tank.
