Srikakulam’s Bird Sanctuaries Facing Neglect Due To Lack Of Funds

Arriving in their thousands from Siberia, Nepal, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Hungary, these birds include pelicans, painted storks, and open-billed storks. They typically arrive between June and December, breed and return with their young, bringing joy to both tourists and local villagers.

Forest Range officer M.K. Naidu told Deccan Chronicle that approximately 700 open-billed storks have already arrived at Telukunchi. "Watchers in place to monitor and protect the birds. Campaigns are being run in the area for protection of the birds," Naidu stated.

Telineelapuram Forest Range officer G. Jagadish said nets are being installed to prevent birds and eggs from falling during the breeding season. However, residents have raised additional concerns, including attacks by monkeys, unsanitary conditions caused by bird droppings and poor maintenance of nearby ponds, which are crucial for the birds’ survival. They have requested the state government to take urgent action.

Telineelapuram Sanctuary started in 1986 on three acres of land acquired from local farmers. Dense trees had been planted to create habitats for wildlife. There had been plans for a perimeter wall, which could not be constructed due to lack of funds. The iron fencing put up has been damaged and poachers enter the sanctuary freely. Essential tourism infrastructure, such as an observation tower, sheds to rest and toilets, has fallen into disrepair.

The district administration appointed Uppada Bhimaarao and T. Visveshwar Rao, who had donated their land to the sanctuary, as managers. They are not receiving their promised monthly stipend of ₹10,000. Bhimaarao stated that he has not received any payment for the past 20 months. Visveshwar Rao said he has not been paid for April, May and June.

Forest officials say they have informed authorities about the managers' stipends. Further, they say they have submitted proposals for the development of the Telineelapuram Sanctuary.