Question : Threat to Bird Sanctuary

(a) Whether the habitat of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad, Kerala is facing threat from grazing, collection of fuel-wood and invasive species;
(b) If so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) Whether the Government has received complaints owing to rise in number of tourists visiting the bird sanctuary;
(d) If so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon;
(e) Whether the Government has sanctioned a team to assess the ground level situation in Thattekad and if so, the details of the findings of the team thereof; and
(f) The other steps being taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)


(a) and (b) As informed by Kerala Forest Department, the boundary of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary has been secured by constructing solar fencing. The Forest Department has also deployed protection watchers to prevent threat of grazing, collection of fuel-wood. Along with this, proliferation of invasive species is checked and eradicated every year so that there is no damage to the sanctuary due to grazing, collection of fuel-wood and invasive species.

(c ) and (d) Kerala Forest Department has informed that no complaint has been received regarding the rise in number of tourists visiting the bird sanctuary.

(e) and (f) An ornithologist has been provided to assess the ground level situation in Thattekad and for collection of scientific information required for smooth functioning and management of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.

The other steps being taken for the management of the sanctuary are as follows:
i. Activities are undertaken for the management of the sanctuary as per approved management plan.
ii. Government of India provides financial assistance to the State Government for conservation of wildlife and its habitat in the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – Development of Wildlife Habitat. The details of funds released to the State Government of Kerala in the last three years under the scheme for Thattekad Bird Sanctuary having an area of 25.16 sq. km. are as follows:

S.No. Year Amount (in Lakh Rs.)
1. 2017-18 20.688
2. 2018-19 26.93
3. 2019-20 23.72



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