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Karanji Lake plays host to birds: Deccan Herald
Mysore, Feb 03: Thousands of migratory birds have arrived at the Karanji Lake in the city, bringing life to the once polluted lake and spelling good news for bird watchers.
Mysore, Feb 03: Thousands of migratory birds have arrived at the Karanji Lake in the city, bringing life to the once polluted lake and spelling good news for bird watchers.
The lake has 60 acres of water spread area and 80 hectares of foreshore. Copious inflow of sewage from the nearby residential areas had degraded the lake water in the recent past reducing the number of birds visiting the lake. Thanks to the initiative of the Mysore Zoo, the lake’s environment has improved, resulting in the migration of exotic birds to the lake.
Talking to Deccan Herald, Zoo Director Kumar Pushkar says: “the birds have come in large numbers this year. Till last year, birds were hardly seen on the trees surrounding the lake. This gives an indication that the lake is regaining its lost glory following the rejuvenation works.” Birds such as pelicans, painted storks, grey herons, egrets, white ibis, cormorants etc have arrived at the lake to roost, nestle and breed. These birds had deserted the lake in the absence of prey due to increased water pollution.
With funds from ADB, the zoo, which was made the implementing agency, took up restoration work at the lake, including checking of entry of sewage water.
The zoo authorities released 10,000 fingerlings into the lake and this has resulted in the increase in the number of birds visiting the lake. “We are planning to release another 50,000 fingerlings in the coming days,” Mr Pushkar disclosed.
Boating facility, which was stopped as the lake became shallow and water polluted, will be reintroduced shortly. The zoo authorities have restricted the entry of public into the lake surroundings to avoid disturbance to the birds which have arrived after a gap of eight to 10 years.
However, only 200 persons will be allowed inside the lake surroundings in a day to watch the birds. Those interested to watch the birds could seek permission from the zoo director. The entry into the lake will be free between 7 am and 11 am and 4 pm and 6 pm.
The lake has 60 acres of water spread area and 80 hectares of foreshore. Copious inflow of sewage from the nearby residential areas had degraded the lake water in the recent past reducing the number of birds visiting the lake. Thanks to the initiative of the Mysore Zoo, the lake’s environment has improved, resulting in the migration of exotic birds to the lake.
Talking to Deccan Herald, Zoo Director Kumar Pushkar says: “the birds have come in large numbers this year. Till last year, birds were hardly seen on the trees surrounding the lake. This gives an indication that the lake is regaining its lost glory following the rejuvenation works.” Birds such as pelicans, painted storks, grey herons, egrets, white ibis, cormorants etc have arrived at the lake to roost, nestle and breed. These birds had deserted the lake in the absence of prey due to increased water pollution.
With funds from ADB, the zoo, which was made the implementing agency, took up restoration work at the lake, including checking of entry of sewage water.
The zoo authorities released 10,000 fingerlings into the lake and this has resulted in the increase in the number of birds visiting the lake. “We are planning to release another 50,000 fingerlings in the coming days,” Mr Pushkar disclosed.
Boating facility, which was stopped as the lake became shallow and water polluted, will be reintroduced shortly. The zoo authorities have restricted the entry of public into the lake surroundings to avoid disturbance to the birds which have arrived after a gap of eight to 10 years.
However, only 200 persons will be allowed inside the lake surroundings in a day to watch the birds. Those interested to watch the birds could seek permission from the zoo director. The entry into the lake will be free between 7 am and 11 am and 4 pm and 6 pm.