Hyderabad: Ameenpur Lake haven for winged guests

Hyderabad: In a phoenix-like resurrection, the picturesque Ameenpur lake, which seemed destined to lose out to encroachers and had almost become a cesspool that had to be shunned, is gradually regaining its lost glory. Now home to over 250 species of migratory birds, it is finally justifying the biodiversity deritage tag conferred on it. This transformation is being celebrated the most by bird-watchers.

Around 40-odd probationary IAS and IPS officers, who visited the lake last week, had a first-hand experience of the achievement. They were told about the importance of saving and preserving biodiversity. “Not only has there been an increase in the number of winged visitors to the lake, the various species that have begun flocking it, are a feast for the eyes. From the common egret to something as rare as the spotted billed pelican, many beautiful creatures can be seen,” said Mr Sriram Reddy of the Hyderabad Birding Pal (HBP).

According to a report published by the Environment Protection Training and Research (EPTRI), the lake, measuring 93.15 acres, is considered small but is known for harbouring rare and threatened birds to the point of emerging as a natural reserve or ‘hotspot’.

This, birdwatchers insist, is because the birds have become more confident of dwelling at the Ameenpur lake, compared to Osman-sagar, Himaya-tsagar or Nizamsagar. This is, essentially, thanks to the relentless efforts of the locals and that of TS special protection force chief, Tejdeep Kaur Menon. The officer conducts walks around the lake, speaks to locals to identify and nullify all possible threats to the birds. “The lake has been developed to such an extent that birds like the rare greater flamingo are regular visitors,” said Mr Rajeev Khandelwal of HBP.