Naturalists fume at move to trim Vedanthangal sanctuary's borders

“We are upset with the state’s proposal to reduce the buffer zone and authorities fail to realise that the birds are sensitive to developmental activities. Further, the bird sanctuary is a study area for the wildlife scientists and students, promotion of commercial activity will spoil the fragile ecosystem of Vedanathangal, the first declared bird sanctuary in the country.”

Any step reducing the size of the buffer zone will hinder the migration pattern of huge birds like pelican, painted stork, spoonbill and ibis, said Vijayakumar adding that MNS will convene the naturalists and bird watchers to discuss about the next course of action. “The buffer zone is the feeding habitat while the core zone is the nesting habitat for birds, but for some reason, the state is pushing the proposal,” fumed forest department insider.

“For the past several years there is a tremendous political pressure on the foresters by the real estate and pharma companies to dilute the ecological acts that protect the sanctuary so that the commercial activities can be taken up in large scale. Birders will be glad if the National Board of Wildlife rejects the state proposal,” said avid birdwatcher Sri Ram of Valasarawalkkam, who has been frequenting Vedanthangal for the past 25 years. When contacted, environment and forest secretary Shambu Kallolikar, said that the state has taken consideration of all the ecological parameters related to Vedanthangal. The villagers complain that their livelihood is affected because of bird sanctuary and the boundary redrawing in a scientific way, will help the state to establish non-polluting activities in the area, a long pending demand of local residents. Further the forest department is also studying the bird habitat to ensure that there is no effect to the visiting migratory birds. However, the final decision is pending before the National Board of Wildlife, the top official said.