TIRUPATI: The annual visit of migratory birds to Nelapattu sanctuary is in jeopardy now due to prevailing drought conditions in the region. The prolonged dry spell is driving away the migratory birds from Nelapattu. Pelicans and several other bird species visit Nelapattu every year for breeding. Hundreds of migratory birds, including pelicans, have already left the Pulicat lake region due to harsh weather conditions.
According to an estimate by forest officials, who keep a watch on the number of migratory birds visiting the place, nearly 220 pelicans left Nelapattu last Saturday within 24 hours after their arrival due to unconducive atmosphere.
“If the dry spell continues, several migratory bird species which are regular visitors to Nelapattu, may not come to the place this year. Only 50 to 75 per cent of the total bird species that arrive at the sanctuary in normal times, have reached Nelapattu this year. We hope that it will rain in the coming days creating a conducive atmosphere for the arrival of migratory birds at Nelapattu sanctuary,” a forest official said.
Sullurpet DFO D Ravindranath Reddy said they released lakhs of fish fingerlings in the lake last month to ensure sufficient feed for the migratory birds. “Lack of rains in the area affected the arrival of migratory birds last year and this year is no different. Migratory birds will visit Nelapattu only if it rains within the next few days. The drastic reduction in the number of winged visitors is alarming,” he told TNIE.
The drought is affecting the entire ecosystem in the region, including wetlands, vegetation, water temperature, algae growth in water and water level in Pulicat lake. The green foliage is already declining s. The migratory birds have started leaving the area and it will have an adverse impact on the ecosystem, the official said.