Thousands of storks and pelicans, which migrate all the way from Siberia to Telineelapuram in Tekkali mandal of Srikakulam district, appear from distance like large white flowers of trees on which they start settling from July and August every year, highlighting the region's unique biodiversity.
Thousands of storks and pelicans, which migrate all the way from Siberia to Telineelapuram in Tekkali mandal of Srikakulam district, appear from distance like large white flowers of trees on which they start settling from July and August every year, highlighting the region's unique biodiversity. (Image: DC)
Visakhapatnam: Thousands of storks and pelicans, which migrate all the way from Siberia to Telineelapuram in Tekkali mandal of Srikakulam district, appear from distance like large white flowers of trees on which they start settling from July and August every year, highlighting the region's unique biodiversity.
Their abundance in the region has led to formation of the Telineelapuram Migratory Bird Sanctuary, embodying a commitment to environmental conservation. In fact, Vivek Rathod from WCTRE (Wildlife Conservation Through Research and Education) proposes that the sanctuary be turned into a research centre, where each bird could be geotagged to learn the numerous challenges these birds face while travelling all the way from Siberia.
Amid this, Janardhan Uppada, a member of the Vizag Bird Watchers Society, has pointed to the threat many tamarind trees, which provide vital habitat for the migratory birds, are facing. They got uprooted and damaged during the Hudhud and Titli cyclones. Replanting and strengthening these trees is imperative, as pelicans favour tall and sturdy trees for nesting purposes.
Telineelapuram is strategically located about ten kilometres from the coast. It has abundant water sources, wetlands and environmental conditions that are suitable for pelicans to breed, hatch and nurture their young till February or March, before returning to Siberia.
Telineelapuram is strategically located about ten kilometres from the coast. It has abundant water sources, wetlands and environmental conditions that are suitable for pelicans to breed, hatch and nurture their young till February or March, before returning to Siberia.
According to panchayat secretary Rajana Dilip Kumar, villagers of Telineelapuram maintain a strong bond with pelicans, viewing them as symbols of good fortune and abundant harvests. This belief is rooted in historical experiences from the 1980s and 1990s, when the absence of pelicans coincided with poor crop yields.
The state government has also pledged to develop Telineelapuram as a tourist destination. But existential challenges remain. Vikram Penumatsa, founder of the Vizag Bird Watchers’ Society, notes that rise of commercial fish ponds and construction of Moolapatnam port have degraded wetlands, leading to a decline in migration of pelicans to Telineelapuram.
Further, the Kakarapalli Thermal Power Project has severely compromised natural water habitats, interfering with the birds' ability to locate food. Public protests have temporarily suspended this highly polluting project.
Forest range officer G. Jagadish has suggested restoring and strengthening the tamarind trees and putting nets around these trees to protect the birds.
Only collaboration within government entities, environmentalists and the local community can preserve the Telineelapuram Migratory Bird Sanctuary and ensure the survival of pelicans.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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