Lake stinks but beckons rare birds

Lake stinks but beckons rare birds
DH News Service,Bangalore:
The polluted Hirohalli village lake on the outskirts of the City now has rare visitors: the critically endangered spot billed pelicans.

Industrial sewage and domestic waste, constru-ction debris along with carcasses of animals and birds and religious offerings end up at the lake. But the winged visitors are undeterred by the high-pollution levels, much to the excitement of the City’s bird lovers.

Protected under the Wildlife Act Schedule 1, the State’s pelican population has been restricted to a few hundreds — most of them at Kokkarebellur in Maddur taluk near Mandya.

The Hirohalli flock, according to bird watchers, is a huge one. More than 30 birds were spotted at the lake on Tuesday afternoon.

“It is indeed a good population. Their arrival, given the noise pollution caused by traffic, is surprising,” said P Manjunath, Secretary, Green Cross, a birding group.

The birders are now hopeful that the pelicans may even roost here. According to villagers, the birds arrived a month ago.

Jayaramanna, a vendor said he sighted a bird two months ago, but the number kept increasing. “Luckily nobody goes near the lake due to the stench,” he said.

Ornithologist Dr M B Krishna said the birds prefer places with abundant fish and free from any disturbance. “They prefer a water body with food and an island with trees to perch, maybe, if they feel secure they might even nest here,” he said.

But pollution has been a matter of concern as parts of the lake are cloaked in thick foam. “If this continues the level of dissolved oxygen in the water comes down and will threaten aquatic species which in turn affects birds,” said Krishna.

The village, now a part of BBMP, needs immediate attention, according to experts. They have a valid reason now: the spot billed pelicans, red listed by the International Union of Conservation Network, have found the place favourable.