Water-Filled Vizag Ponds Turn Haven For Birds
While the Bay of Bengal is the dominant water body in Vizag, inland ponds have proven essential for biodiversity
Visakhapatnam:In a promising development for the fragile ecosystem of Visakhapatnam, Painted Storks and Eurasian Coots have been sighted in suburban ponds across Bheemili, Mangamaripeta and Anandapuram following the recent rains.
Their presence has piqued the interest of birdwatchers and conservationists as these species typically depend on ecologically balanced wetlands having sufficient fish, aquatic vegetation and safe nesting grounds.
The Painted Stork, recognisable by its hued plumage and long yellow beak, showed up in the flooded water bodies in Anandapuram.
Meanwhile, the Eurasian Coot, also known as the Common Coot, was spotted at the rain-fed ponds in Mangamaripeta. Its striking black body and white bill moved swiftly across the water's surface in search of food.
“These birds are indicators of ecological health,” noted Janardhan Uppada of the Vizag Bird Watchers Society, who has been monitoring suburban bird activity for over a decade. “The presence of Painted Storks suggests thriving fish populations, while the sighting of Eurasian Coots indicates a good presence of aquatic vegetation. Both are signs that these wetlands, although vulnerable, are managing to survive.”
However, not all news is positive. Environmental activist K Srinivas Kumar warned that many wetland areas remain unprotected. For instance, the Chillapeta Lake is under threat from infrastructure expansion and unregulated tourism. “Waste dumping in regions like Kommadi and Madhurawada is endangering bird habitats and degrading water quality,” he stated.
Local ecological groups have urged the GVMC and the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority to designate these suburban lakes as conservation zones. Their recommendations include installing protective fencing, conducting regular cleanups and launching community awareness campaigns to promote environmental responsibility.
While the Bay of Bengal is the dominant water body in Vizag, inland ponds have proven essential for biodiversity. The Podugullu pond in Anandapuram was once home to over 130 bird species, while the Chilakpet Lake has recorded sightings of at least 117 species. However, recent trends indicate a decline in the number of species, with birds now visiting the area only during the monsoon season.
