Forest Dept. plans to establish an international bird centre in the Agaram Reserve Forest

Proposal for an international bird center in Kazhuveli bird sanctuary, a vital stopover for migratory birds in Tamil Nadu.

The Villupuram Forest Division is working on a proposal for the establishment of a state-of-the-art international bird centre in Agaram Reserve Forest near Kazhuveli bird sanctuary, falling under the Tindivanam Forest range.

Official sources said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by a consultant had been submitted to the Tamil Nadu government for approval and that the official announcement was awaited.

“The proposed international bird centre will include an awareness and interpretation centre, and research-cum-educational facilities with amenities for tourists. The Forest Department has planned watchtowers for bird watching, a canopy walkway, and facilities for students. The DPR is under discussion,” District Forest Officer K. Karthikeyani told The Hindu.

The department has planned to transport tourists in vehicles from the proposed centre to Kazhuveli for field exposure.

Exhibits of various kinds, including photographs and life-size concrete ones that replicate the characteristics of Kazhuveli, have been planned.

After Kazhuveli was notified as a bird sanctuary, various awareness activities had been conducted in the sanctuary.

“The department has purchased rescue equipment for birds, including cages, and readied facilities such as post-mortem sheds and treatment facilities for injured and sick birds. The Management Plan for Kazhuveli bird sanctuary has also been prepared and is under implementation,” Ms. Karthikeyani said.