Fri Mar 14 07:46:29 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Budget 2025: Dhanushkodi to Become Flamingo Sanctuary, Green Initiatives Unveiled
**Chennai, March 14, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu government unveiled ambitious environmental protection measures in its 2025-26 budget today. Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu announced the designation of Dhanushkodi, at the tip of Rameswaram Island, as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary. This crucial stopover point for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway will benefit from enhanced protection of its wetland ecosystems, including sand dunes, marshes, and mangrove forests.
The budget also allocates ₹50 crore for a new Marine Resource Foundation focused on mangrove conservation and sustainable fishing practices along the state’s 1,076-km coastline. To improve air quality, 700 state transport corporation diesel buses will be converted to CNG at a cost of ₹70 crore, funded by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
Furthering environmental efforts, the government plans to secure Blue Flag certification for six beaches – Tiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, and Uthandi in Chennai, and Kulasekarapattinam, Keezhputhupattu, and Samiyarpettai in other districts – with an investment of ₹24 crore. Finally, a Raptors Research Foundation will be established with ₹1 crore from the Endangered Species Conservation Fund to protect eagles, hawks, and vultures facing habitat loss and toxic threats in various parts of the state. These initiatives reflect the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
First Piper 