Sun Feb 02 22:00:40 IST 2025: ## Pulicat Lake: A Haven for Migratory Birds Faces Uncertain Future

**Chennai, February 2, 2025** – Pulicat Lake, India’s second largest lagoon, located near Chennai, is a vibrant ecological hotspot attracting thousands of migratory birds annually, particularly between October and March. This vital wetland, designated an Important Bird Area by the Bombay Natural History Society and Birdlife International, supports over 220 bird species, including iconic flamingos, Eurasian curlews, and the rare bar-tailed godwit. Recent sightings, including a cluster of five bar-tailed godwits by naturalist S. Venkatraaman, highlight the lake’s biodiversity. The nearby Annamalaicheri village, known for its white-bellied sea eagles, further underscores the region’s ornithological significance. Citizen science initiatives, like eBird, are documenting a rich array of species, showcased by a young birder’s observation of 44 species during the recent Chennai Bird Race.

However, this fragile ecosystem faces significant threats. Classified as a “threatened lake” by the Global Nature Fund in 2010, Pulicat’s inclusion on the Montreux Record – a crucial step toward Ramsar Convention protection – remains pending. Conservationists like K.V.R.K. Thirunaranan of The Nature Trust highlight the critical need for water level management, ensuring the natural opening of the river mouth for tidal flow. Concerns are mounting over the delayed arrival of flamingos this year, possibly linked to suboptimal water levels. Furthermore, the proposed expansion of the Adani Port and unregulated tourism pose additional risks to the delicate balance of the lake’s ecosystem. Urgent action is needed to safeguard Pulicat Lake and its remarkable avian inhabitants from the impacts of climate change, development projects, and unsustainable tourism.

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