The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has launched a restoration initiative to remove invasive water hyacinth from the Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, with financial support from environmental NGO VETRY.
The first phase of the project is backed by ₹10 lakh and aims to clear hyacinth spread across nearly 100 acres of the sanctuary’s 400-acre lake, helping restore aquatic biodiversity and improve habitat conditions for migratory and resident birds.
Restoring the Sanctuary’s Ecosystem
The initiative was inaugurated by D. Venkatesh, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, along with Forest Department officials and representatives from VETRY, VERGAL Environmental Organisation, and the Tiruppur Nature Society.
The project seeks to address the ecological damage caused by the rapid spread of water hyacinth, which has reduced dissolved oxygen levels, impacted fish populations, and consequently affected bird numbers.
Advanced Equipment for Weed Removal
According to Natraj Muthusamy, CEO of VETRY, the restoration work is being carried out under the guidance of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
The NGO has deployed:
- A specialised aquatic harvesting vehicle from Exnora Chennai to remove dense aquatic weeds.
- A customised excavator fitted with a sieve bucket to separate weeds from water.
- Heavy-duty tractors and trailers to transport the removed vegetation.
The final project cost will be assessed after evaluating the extent of weed growth, with the long-term objective of restoring the entire lake ecosystem.
Environmental Benefits
Officials said removing the invasive weed will:
- Improve dissolved oxygen levels in the water.
- Restore fish populations and bird habitats.
- Prevent excessive water loss caused by evapotranspiration.
- Reduce mosquito breeding.
- Slow down siltation and improve the lake’s water-holding capacity.
The restoration is expected to significantly enhance the ecological health of one of Tamil Nadu’s important bird sanctuaries.
Author
About the Author
