Korattur in Chennai is famous for its superb lake and the residents there would soon be undertaking bird census at this lake during Pongal. Over the years, many different types of birds have been spotted at the Korattur lake. This has been recorded by Cornell Lab of Ornithology`s ebird portal. Couple of days back, as manya s 47 birds were spotted by some group of residents at this lake.
It was later mentioned by a teacher Mr. S. Ravikumar that the month of January would be the best for bird watching here. He threw light on how community tradition would have to be built during Pongal. Conservation of the lake is very important and the students would come to know about that. Bitter fact is that the decline in the water quality in this lake has led to the reduction in the number of birds.
A case regarding the restoration of the lake would be heard by NGT or National Green Tribunal and the next hearing would take place towards the end of January month. The lake that was originally spanned over 900 acres is now reduced to half its size. The reason for that was due to many encroachments. This was mentioned by some residents welfare groups. They explained that the water in the Korattur lake has been polluted with some effluents from the industries nearby.
A student spoke about how he has been involved in bird watching activity in the last few years and how the bird count has come down to just 47 now. It must be taken into account that he was also part of the group that undertook bird census at the lake on Tuesday. Point is that the participants log in bird sightings like species, time when they were spotted etc. Now, the group wants novices also to join them.