ADILABAD: The residents of Venkatraopeta village are fiercely protective of their winged visitors. For generations, they have shielded the painted storks and other migratory birds from predators and outsiders, ensuring the birds return year after year to the cheruvu in Mancherial district. Now, they have passed a resolution supporting the lake’s declaration as a wetland.
The Venkatraopeta cheruvu is known for hosting migratory birds, especially painted storks — locally called ‘Erra Kalla Konga’ — along with other species that arrive from Siberia and other parts of Europe. These birds stay for six to eight months, drawn by thick vegetation and ample nesting space.
For more than a century, this migration has continued in the Luxettipet range, with trees on the village outskirts serving as nesting sites. The birds are also spotted in other parts of the country, but Venkatraopeta remains a preferred habitat due to the protection offered by locals.
Forest divisional officer K Sarveshwar tells TNIE that the availability of vegetation and safe nesting conditions are key factors attracting the birds.
The birds feed on fish in nearby tanks such as Dowdepally, Kommugudem and Challampet. However, as these tanks dry up during peak summer, the birds return to the Venkatraopeta cheruvu, where water and food sources are relatively stable.
The wetland comprises drought-resistant flora such as Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, subabul, neem and leucaena. Invasive species like lantana and water hyacinth are also present. While the biodiversity is limited, the available aquatic life, mainly local fish species, meets the feeding needs of the painted storks.
A research team led by Ramzan Veerani from Chandrapur in Maharashtra has been studying the lake and its bird population for the past year. Their findings highlight the importance of the site for migratory birds and supports its potential for development.
Based on the report, district collector Kumar Deepak and forest officials, including DFO Shiv Aasheesh Singh, held a meeting with the authorities concerned and forwarded a proposal to the state government seeking wetland status.
Villagers have also passed a resolution supporting the move, noting that it would not affect their livelihoods. If approved, the project would receive 90% funding from the Union government and 10% from the state, paving the way for development, including tourism, which could generate local employment.
Officials add that ecotourism initiatives in the Kawal Tiger Reserve, including grassland development and safari operations in the Luxettipet range, have already shown positive results, offering a model for similar efforts at Venkatraopeta.