Pulicat Lake, Wetland Conservation Take Centre Stage At Flamingo Festival 2026
“At the same time, livelihoods of many fishermen depend on this lake. Conservation, economic development and sustainable tourism must progress together while maintaining ecological balance”: Dr. S. Venkateshwar
NELLORE: AP government launched the Flamingo Festival 2026 with a strong focus on wetland conservation and protection of Pulicat Lake, turning the spotlight on preserving one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions, while promoting sustainable tourism.
Tirupati district collector Dr. S. Venkateshwar said the festival, being held from January 10 to January 12, will raise conservation of Pulicat Lake, bird habitats and wetlands from the local to the national and international platforms.
Speaking on the occasion at a special programme on Wetland Conservation and Sustainable Tourism held at Sri City, the collector underlined that the Pulicat Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country. It is a vital ecosystem that attracts thousands of migratory birds between October and March.
“At the same time, livelihoods of many fishermen depend on this lake. Conservation, economic development and sustainable tourism must progress together while maintaining ecological balance,” he maintained.
Conservator of Forests Selvam said the state government, through the Forest department, is taking several measures to protect wetlands and bird habitats. He pointed out that unlike earlier editions, this year’s Flamingo Festival gives top priority to environmental protection, birds and wetland ecosystems, with the goal of achieving global recognition.
Sri City managing director Ravi Sanareddy stressed the need to involve youth and students in environmental conservation. He called for more awareness programmes and seminars in collaboration with universities and industries.
Earlier in the day, festival celebrations began at the Government Junior College Grounds in Sullurpet, where MLA Nelavala Vijayashree inaugurated a stall set up by the Animal Husbandry Department with traditional Gopuja in the presence of district collector, revenue divisional officer Kiranmayi and other officials.
The collector, MLA, former minister Parasaratnam and others later unveiled the Flamingo Festival 2026 balloon, visited government department stalls, and inaugurated the volleyball and kabaddi competitions. The venue came alive with colourful cultural performances by school students and warmly appreciated by public representatives and the audience.
As Flamingo Festival 2026 unfolds, the message is clear: protecting Pulicat Lake and its wetlands is not just an environmental responsibility, but a shared commitment towards sustainable development and future generations.
