Ashtamudi lake stink keeps off migratory birds

Kollam: Migratory birds that fly thousands of kilometres in search of food and nesting place now opt to stay away from Ashtamudi Lake, which was once their favourite spot. Rampant pollution in the lake has caused the birds to skip the water body. Many migratory birds are also being found dead along the catchment areas of the lake, apparently due to the pollution. The lake is also home to several endemic species of water birds.

“Pollution is the major cause for the drop in the number of migratory birds. The waste from the eight creeks of the lake gets settled in the main water body. Waste from the district hospital, Pullikkada colony and other urban settlements add to the pollution,” said Prof Peter Pradeep of HELP Foundation, an NGO.

A recent study conducted under ‘River Watch’ by HELP Foundation revealed that plastic waste was a major cause of bird deaths in the lake. Boats also throw combustion waste including oil into the waters, adding to toxic ‘lead pollution’. The birds were seen taking in poultry waste dumped in the lake, as the fish population had came down drastically.

Reef heron and Whiskered tern are the most common migratory bird species found around the lake. Indian shags, little cormorants and cattle egretsare, are some of the popular endemic species.