HC notice to Centre, TN govt on PIL over condition of tank

The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has ordered issuance of a notice to central and Tamil Nadu governments on a PIL seeking action to restore a tank in Ramanthapuram district which was a bird sanctuary and used to attract migratory birds in winter.
Justices Dhanabalan and V M Velumani ordered the notice to officials, including the Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, returnable within two weeks.
Petitioner P Chellathai submitted the 47.63 hectare Chitrangudi Kanmai, which used to attract migratory birds like Purple Heron, Spot Billed Pelican and Open Billed Stark, was now in a pathetic condition and needed the attention of the central and state governments.

The forest department had admitted that the sanctuary was an ideal location for migratory birds with considerable diversity in nesting and feeding behaviour. It is one of the most preferred nesting sites for colonial birds flocking the tank from October to February every year, she said.
However, visitors do not find any bird now-a-days due to dry condition. The governemnt should sanction funds for planting nesting trees, desliting, deepening the tank and make alternative arrangement for storing water.
Central government could improve the tank under Integrated Development of Wild Life habitants, Chellathai said.
She said a memoranda submitted to the Principal Conservator of Forests, the District Collector and the District Forest Officer and the wildlife warden of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park evoked no action.