The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Chengalpet district, Tamil Nadu, is anticipating a boost in migratory bird numbers for the upcoming season. This optimism stems from the expansion of the adjoining Madurantakam tank, which is expected to hold more water and thus attract more fish, a crucial food source for the avian visitors.
Officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD) are overseeing the transformation of the Madurantakam tank into a reservoir. This project involves various upgrades, including the construction of new radial shutters, repair of sluice gates, and the removal of silt to enhance the water holding capacity.
The work includes:
* Increasing the water holding capacity by removing silt, raising the storage capacity from 694 million cubic feet (mcft) to 791 mcft.
* Augmenting the capacity of the weirs by raising the crust level by 0.5m.
* Strengthening the main bund for 1.5 km.
* Creating an 18.5 km bund on the foreshore.
The construction of 12 radial shutters is on track to be completed by March. The removal of silt has already yielded positive results, and the crust level of the weirs has been increased. One severely damaged sluice gate has been fully rebuilt, and work on the remaining four is in progress.
To further enhance the reservoir’s stability, a retaining wall has been built on the main bund, along with an 18.5 km long bund on the foreshore. The strengthening of the main bund for 1.5 km is expected to be completed before the end of the current financial year.
All remaining minor projects are slated to be completed before the onset of the northeast monsoon in mid-October. Recent rainfall in the neighboring Tiruvannamalai district has already resulted in a substantial inflow of water into the tank, filling half of its area.
The expansion of the Madurantakam tank and its increased water holding capacity are expected to create a more favorable environment for fish populations, ultimately drawing a larger number of migratory birds to the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. This project underscores the importance of sustainable water management in supporting biodiversity and providing a safe haven for migratory bird species.
