Tamil Nadu sets up State Bird Authority to strengthen conservation of birds

New Delhi: In a bid to strengthen the conservation of birds, the Tamil Nadu government has set up a State Bird Authority on saturday.

Environment, climate change and forests secretary Supriya Sahu will head the nine-member authority, which has officials from other departments as members.

“Authority will undertake preparation of Integrated Management Plans for bird sanctuaries to improve conditions for bird nesting, map new locations, undertake restoration of sanctuaries and improve visitor facilities through community based eco tourism” said Supriya Sahu, the Addl Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change & Forests.

According to government order, the State has 17 Bird Sanctuaries out of which 14 are also Ramsar sites.

It will also map various geographical locations in Tamil Nadu visited by native and migratory birds so as to prepare a plan of action to create new protected areas for birds.

Apart from reviewing it will be undertaking restoration of bird sanctuaries with regard to the current habitat and take measures to remove invasives and support plantation of trees for bird nesting.

“The Authority shall also look at eco tourism development with the local communities by training them as guides and building their capacities to act as conservation champions, ” the order said.