Ornithological reserve and vistors' centre, Kaluveli Wetland, Viluppuram, Tamlinadu

Abstract

Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent, or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salt including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters. Land use changes in the catchment, pollution from households and industry, encroachments, tourism, and overexploitation of their natural supply are all anthropogenic stresses on wetlands. Wetlands are among of the most productive environments on the globe, so their degradation is a reason for concern. They frequently support large populations of creatures, including mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates, and many of these species use them as nurseries. Kaluveli is one such wetland, which supports unique and diverse habitats and acts as a major migrating station for migratory birds. The shallow waterbody, widespread grasslands, marshes, flora and fauna of Kaluveli forms a balanced ecosystem. Human inference into the wetland, sometimes tends to disturb the balance in the ecosystem. And hence the government of Tamilnadu has declared the 5151 hectares of the lake as a bird sanctuary on 6th December,2021. The thesis proposal of an ornithological reserve and a visitors’ center is to help the recover and maintain the ecosystem of the site with various research and to guide the visitors in the right direction to have the best views of the birds without disturbing them. The challenge lies in directing the human activities in such a way that it doesn’t interfere with the balance in the bird cycle nor the ecosystem.