Latest news with #ProsopisJuliflora
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Forest dept. unveils eco-revival plan for Bhigwan wetland
While the Bhigwan wetland – known for its vibrant avian life including seasonal visits by migratory species such as flamingos, herons and migratory ducks – has attracted thousands of birdwatchers and wildlife photographers over the years, this 'Bharatpur of Maharashtra' is now on the cusp of a major ecological and tourism-focused transformation. Recently on July 7, the forest department has presented to the Pune district collector an ambitious eco-restoration plan for Bhigwan aimed at long-term conservation plus sustainable tourism. These interventions are designed to attract species such as herons, egrets, and other waders. (HT) The plan revolves around improving the habitat for migratory and resident birds while ensuring the ecological integrity of the wetland system. Among the key measures included are installation of bamboo perching poles and floating platforms across water bodies to provide essential resting and feeding spots for visiting birds; and construction of earthen mounds within the wetland as also installation of raised nesting shelves along the embankments to further support nesting and breeding. These interventions are designed to attract species such as herons, egrets, and other waders. The proposal also highlights the importance of reintroducing native vegetation wherein local wetland-friendly grass species such as Vetiver, Typha and Saccharum will be planted along the bunds to stabilise soil, improve water retention, and enhance habitat structure. Furthermore, invasive species such as water hyacinth and Prosopis Juliflora that have disrupted the natural biodiversity of the wetland in recent years will be removed. Additionally, efforts will be made to restock the waters with small native fish species—an essential part of the wetland's food chain supporting both birdlife and aquatic health. As far as improving the overall visitor experience goes, the plan includes the development of eco-sensitive tourism infrastructure. Watch towers, interpretation boards, and shelters will be installed at strategic observation points whereas a Nature interpretation centre will help educate tourists about the ecological importance of Bhigwan. Basic tourist amenities such as toilets and changing rooms are also part of the proposal, aimed at making the eco-tourism site more family-friendly. According to Mangesh Tate, assistant conservator of forests, Pune, the most vital aspect of the plan is the active involvement of the local community. By training and equipping local youth, farmers, and fishermen as birding guides, the project aims to build a grassroots' network of conservation stewards. This integration of community and conservation, Tate believes, will ensure Bhigwan's sustainable future both as a sanctuary and as a model for eco-tourism.
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Residents plan to intensify protests over unchecked sewage release into Korattur lake
CHENNAI Residents of Korattur plan to intensify their protests as sewage continues to be released into Korattur lake, a significant groundwater recharge source in the locality, through minor channels and stormwater drains. Spread over 600 acres, the waterbody, which is sandwiched between Ambattur and Retteri lakes, remains vulnerable to sewage pollution and encroachments. Residents charged that sewage was let into the lake through stormwater drains and inlets in different places, including Ondiveeran Koil Street and Karukku. a resident of Korattur, said the discharge of untreated sewage into the lake triggered rampant spread of water hyacinth and degraded the water quality. The unchecked release of sewage affected the lake's ecology and the livelihood of the fishing community in the neighbourhood. Residents noted that several representations were made to various government agencies, including Greater Chennai Corporation and Water Resources Department and protests were also held seeking comprehensive restoration of the lake. However, no concrete measures have been taken so far, they added. Members of the Korattur Aeri Pathukappu Makkal Iyakkam (KAPMI), a citizens' movement raising the voice for the rejuvenation of Korattur lake, plan to hold an agitation near Ripon Building seeking the attention of GCC officials and Mayor on the sewage pollution. KAPMI secretary, said GCC Ambattur zonal officials assured the residents to take measures to stop sewage discharge after a protest was held last month. A committee was also promised to be created to monitor and prevent misuse of the lake. 'Seemai Karuvelam', the invasive shrub (Prosopis Juliflora) has also spread over portions of the lake. 'We approached various departments to provide permission to remove the invasive shrubs. We are waiting for no objection certificate to execute the work,' he said. On residents' long-pending request to convert the waterbody into a protected bird sanctuary, the Forest department noted that the lake was under the control of the WRD and measures could be initiated only if the waterbody was handed over to the Forest department.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Thoothukudi Collector instructs officials to address farmers' grievances within seven days
Thoothukudi District Collector K. Elambahavath directed the officials to address the petitions submitted by farmers, within seven days. He issued this instruction during the farmers' grievances redress meeting held at the Collectorate on Thursday. They said that multiple irrigation tanks in the district, including Kadambankulam and Pannaiyarkulam in Sathankulam region, have not received water from Manimuthar 3rd reach canal, resulting in severe drought conditions in the area. The farmers also demanded distribution of subsidised seeds for cotton, maize and sunflower. Additionally, the farmers alleged that officials are demanding bribes for issuing free housing pattas and called for strict actions against those involved. The farmers' associations suggested that the 'Thangai' tank in Venkataramanujapuram be brought under the control of PWD for effective water management. The tank currently irrigates around 57 hectares of agricultural land in the region. They added that many bags of paddy submitted at the Nazareth direct procurement centre on April 11, 2025 were not accounted for and receipts were not issued. Farmers further urged the reopening of the procurement centre at Cherakulam which had been closed for 20 days before the harvest season concluded. In addition, they requested that Krumeniyar river be linked with Thamirabarani river to ensure continuous flow of water for irrigation. Responding to the petitions, Mr. Ealmbahavath reitrated that officials had already been instructed to resolve the petitions submitted during grievances meetings within seven days. However, as delays continue, he warned that strict action would be taken against those who fail to comply with the timeline. He added that removal of Prosopis Juliflora (karuvelam) has already started in Vilathikulam and Pudur blocks and will soon begin in Kovilpatti. The Collector further ordered the RDOs to conduct an inspection of Nazareth, South Thiruperai and Peikulam procurement centres. 'If it is found that paddy was rejected on April 11, but later arrivals were accepted appropriate action will be taken against the staff,' he added. Furthermore, Mr. Ealambahavath instructed the PWD officials to take farmers to the flood canal and explain the current water release mechanism.
