Now, Korattur Lake becomes hotspot for birds

According to bird watchers, migratory and resident birds have left the water bodies in and around the city, as they have begun drying up due to rise in the temperature.

However, the Korattur lake, located on western part of the city, has started attracting more birds. KVRK Thirunaranan, a birder and founder of The Nature Trust said, “We have been monitoring this lake for one-and-a-half years and we recently spotted flamingos and pied myna. Even though this lake was earlier in shambles, officials took up lake improvement works like bund strengthening to make it a good habitation for birds.” He pointed out that during migratory season, rare migratory ducks like northern pintail, northern shoveler, common teal and Garganey arrive here.

Thirunaranan also noted that when almost all the waterbodies in Chennai region are gradually drying up, the Korattur lakeattracted black-tailed godwit birds, a near-endangered species. “We documented 120 such birds,” he said, stressing the importance of protecting the waterbody.

Nature enthusiasts have also demanded the forest officials to curb bird hunting as the lake was earlier known for poaching activities.

Speaking to DT Next, K Geethanjali, Wildlife Warden, Chennai said, “We will form an anti-poaching watch committee to prevent hunters from poaching birds. As far as eco-tourism is concerned, PWD officials were taking up works in a phased manner,” she added.

It may be noted that residents living near the lake had complained two years ago that their households were infested with midges, after which Corporation along with health department released 200 ducks, which were on the prowl to curb such insects.

However, those ducks were hunted soon.