KOCHI: Mangalavanam, the green lung of Kochi is slowly losing its unique biodiversity because of a sharp decline in bird population. Ornithologists and green activists warn that if immediate steps were not taken to conserve the bird sanctuary, Mangalavanam would soon become a barren land.
Recently, during a state-level workshop on bird conservation, it was pointed out that a new study conducted by the forest department indicated a 30 per cent decline in migratory birds due to the increase in high rises.
The major reasons cited for the decrease in bird population are the new high-rise buildings in the area with huge glass windowpanes, degeneration of vegetation, increased noise pollution and lack of proper flushing in and out of water from the backwaters. The dense mangrove vegetation and the pond in the area, which serve as a shelter for birds, have been polluted and filled with solid waste and silt.
The city corporation has been sitting on the proposal to divert the drainage channel passing through the bird sanctuary. The proposal to make the vacant land adjacent to Mangalavanam, 10 acres owned by the Railways and 22 acres owned by BPCL, as a buffer zone of the bird sanctuary is still pending with the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest.
Terming the future of Mangalavanam as grim, noted ornithologist Dr. R. Sugathan told DC that urgent measures have to be taken to protect the green lung of Kochi.
“If the current condition prevails, the marshy forest will become hard land within 15 to 20 years. The area is being filled with silt and garbage which are not being flushed out to the backwaters during low tide. There has been a considerable decrease in the water area within the forest, the main habitat of several bird species,” he said.
Considering the decline in bird population, Social Forestry Department should conduct a weekly census, with support of college students interested in bird watching, to monitor the variation in the number of birds, according to Dr. Sugathan.
