The Tamil Nadu Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests is moving ahead with plans for the International Bird Centre (IBC) at Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Villupuram’s Marakkanam. This center aims to promote bird conservation awareness with a budget of ₹46.94 crore.
The IBC will be built in two locations: the Agaram Reserved Forest and Kazhuveli Lake, about 7.3 km apart. A key focus is to blend this new structure into its natural surroundings. At the Agaram forest, spanning 47.46 acres, the center will feature a Conservation Centre, Wetland Mimic Area, and facilities for research and training.
The landscape design is a standout aspect of the project. Created by the Auroville Botanical Garden, it will enhance biodiversity with a mix of forests, grasslands, and engaging pathways. This area will attract insects, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, enriching the ecosystem.
The IBC will also have an exhibit of Kazhuveli Lake, showcasing its history through interactive displays. Visitors can learn about the birds that inhabit the sanctuary through multimedia experiences, including sounds of local bird calls.
The second site at Kazhuveli Lake will include bird-watching facilities like an observatory. Visitors will use electric shuttles to travel between locations. The bird-watching tower will rise 10.8 meters and offer space for exploration on three levels.
Kazhuveli Lake holds significant ecological importance. Nestled along the Coromandel Coast, it’s connected to the Bay of Bengal via Uppukalli Creek and is an essential stop on the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds. Recognized as one of Tamil Nadu’s vital wetlands, it hosts over 200 bird species and serves as a breeding ground for up to 40,000 migratory birds. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change considers it a potential Ramsar site due to its international significance.
Among the notable species found here are spot-billed pelicans, darters, herons, and flamingos, some classified as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Recent reports highlight that in winter, the sanctuary frequently hosts over 30,000 ducks and thousands of shorebirds and terns during migration.
The IBC not only seeks to educate the public but also plays a vital role in safeguarding these important habitats and their diverse bird populations.
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Villupurum Bird Sanctuary,International Bird Centre in Villupuram,proposed International Bird Centre (IBC) at the Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Villupuram’s Marakkanam
