Posted by
Arefa Tehsin
on
January 20, 2025
The Indian Express: When a bird falls on Ram Setu
For centuries, Mannar has been a lifeline for migratory birds. A mega wind-energy project is threatening to alter its landscape and ecosystem permanently.

Ram Setu, the ancient archipelago connecting India and Sri Lanka (Photo credits: earth.esa.int/captured by Landsat 5 in 2018)

AREFA TEHSIN
New DelhiJan 16, 2025
The last few days of 2023 were disappearing like salt on the tongue. We were in Mannar, a unique island within the island of Sri Lanka — a place from where the shores of India are the closest. Ram Setu, the ancient archipelago connecting India and Sri Lanka,
had long been on our wonder-and-wander list. As we stood there, spellbound by the spectacle of countless birds thrumming through the air, we realised that Mannar is not just a destination; it is a living, breathing entity. For centuries, this land has been
a crucial waypoint on one of the world’s most significant migratory flyways.
Yet, like many concerned citizens and environmentalists, we felt a dark sense of foreboding. Several blades are poised to carve into the heart of Mannar in the form of wind turbines for a mega wind energy project. A $440 million proposal by Adani Green Energy
threatens to alter the island’s landscape and ecosystem permanently.
Yes, wind power is a clean, renewable energy source offering long-term sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. But in Mannar, it spells peril. This project, in its scale and location, could be catastrophic. Birds, particularly large flocks, are
vulnerable to collisions with wind turbine blades.
Mannar’s importance is monumental. No less than 15 million birds of over 250 species winter here. Among them are 26 threatened species that nest and raise their young in Mannar’s protected areas, such as the Adam’s Bridge National Park, Vankalai Sanctuary (a
Ramsar Wetland), and the Vidataltivu Nature Reserve.
Ram Setu’s Dancing Islands, also known as Adam’s Bridge, comprise 16 islands, with half under India’s domain and half under Sri Lanka’s. They are crucial stopovers in the Central Asian Flyway, one of the eight major migratory flyways of the world. The flyway
spans 30 countries, connecting breeding grounds in the Arctic to wintering grounds in the Indian subcontinent.
Birds follow the migratory routes of their ancestors, traverse thousands of kilometres from as far as Siberia and Central Asia to seek refuge in Mannar’s lagoons, mudflats, and salt marshes. The region plays host to an astonishing array of avian life: From
the pink celebrities — flamingoes — to delicate plovers and sandpipers dotting the shores, from Eurasian oystercatchers in their tuxedos to the whiskered terns who advocate strength in numbers. For these birds, Mannar isn’t just a stopover; it’s a lifeline.
Central Asian Flyway-Sri Lanka (CAF-SL) Waterbird Tracking Project has revealed astonishing feats of avian endurance. Tagged birds have flown over the Himalayas, reaching altitudes of 22,000 feet, and bred in Tibet, while others have travelled as far as the
Arctic, covering up to 25,000 km in a single year.
In May 2024, the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS), one of the oldest conservation institutions in the region, challenged the wind project in the country’s Supreme Court. They pointed out that 12 of the proposed wind turbines lie directly
within the bird corridor.
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has also offered its expertise to bolster the conservation battle. The organisations argue that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the project failed to consider the devastating effect on bird populations.
The Mannar wind power project has not only raised environmental concerns but has also been mired in controversy for economic and political reasons. In June 2024, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) refused to approve the procurement of the
484 MW wind power plant in Mannar and Pooneryn by Adani Green Energy. It reportedly questioned the transparency of the bidding process by the Central Board of Electricity (CEB).
Critics, including WNPS, have pointed out that Sri Lanka would be purchasing green energy generated from its own resources at above-market prices for 25 years in US dollars, raising concerns about energy sovereignty and the economic burden on local communities.
President Anura Dissanayake, before his election, had pledged to cancel the “corrupt Adani deal” if he came to power. However, the government has since established another committee to review the proposal. A verdict is expected in March 2025.
Mannar, a testament of time, is a reminder of the interconnectedness of life, where a Siberian tern’s journey finds meaning in the tranquil waters of a Sri Lankan lagoon.
The image of the valiant monkeys of Vanar Sena building a causeway to cross the ocean, where millions of birds find refuge now, evokes a profound reverence for nature and unity of purpose. What does it take for us to realise that “green” energy is turning red?
The term for mass avian slaughter is “avicide”, a chilling word. While I strive to understand the drive many industrialists feel for “expansion”, what I can’t fathom is the absolute lack of pretence of caring about scientifically proven large-scale casualties
of other life forms.
For now, Mannar waits. The birds continue to arrive, as they have for generations, unaware of the storm brewing on their horizon. If the project goes through, who will remember the silence of the victims? We may not shed a tear on their mass grave, but it will
diminish us as a species.
Let us hope that our collective love and concern for nature and its fragile ecosystems will prevail. Otherwise, the loss will not just be Mannar’s; it will be humanity’s.
Tehsin is a Colombo-based writer and environmentalist.
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Posted by
Ann Alex
on
February 10, 2024
Pathiramanal Island is a beautiful place on a lake. You can only reach it by boat. It's about 10 acres big and has many rare birds from all over the world. According to a story, it appeared when a young Brahmin went into the lake. The island is in Muhamma,
Alappuzha, Kerala. It has pretty views and many birds.
The island is about 13 kilometers from Alappuzha. It's close to Kumarakom. It's near Muhamma and Kulakkozhi Chira.
You can do fun things on Pathiramanal like ride boats and see birds. It's a good place to relax with family or even go for a honeymoon. But you can't stay overnight there. You could stay on a houseboat nearby instead.
Pathiramanal Island is famous for its lakes, backwaters, and views. It's best to visit from 6 am to evening. There's no place to stay there, but you can stay on a houseboat nearby.
Pictures of Pathiramanal Island show how pretty it is. People love to visit because of its beautiful nature.
Pathiramanal Bird Sanctuary
Nestled in the backwaters of Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal Bird Sanctuary is a favorite spot for many birds from other countries.
People can go birdwatching on this pretty island, often called a "Bird watcher's paradise." Around ninety-one kinds of local birds and fifty types of migratory birds live here. Some of the birds you might see are Little Cormorants, Whistling Ducks, Pheasant-tailed
Jacanas, and many others.
Pathiramanal Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful home to special birds, making it a great place for bird enthusiasts.
The best time to visit the Sanctuary is during the migratory seasons, which usually happen in Winter (November to May).
The Sanctuary is open from 6:30 am to 5 pm, and the ticket price is Rs.50.
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Posted by
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on
May 13, 2022
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Posted by
Susan Sharma
on
April 30, 2022
Chambal River Safari – Bird list
A bunch of Painted storks chilling and chatting by the river banks 😉
Once we were on our tiny wooden boat, we could spot birds and crocodiles all around.
Gharial soaking the sun
It was a mecca of thriving diversity in front of our eyes. We were even lucky enough to spot a couple of Gangetic
river dolphins spinning and jumping gleefully.
Chambal river also boasts of different kinds of tortoises.
Indian softshell turtle
Our morning river safari at the Chambal River Sanctuary was from 9am – 1130 am . The birds we spotted within this span of 2.5 hours were –
Read the full blog at
https://www.wanderwithjo.com/chambal-river-safari/
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Posted by
Shakti & A S Bishnoi
on
April 07, 2020
Kollero Lake- The Almost Lost Glory.
1. The Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich bio-diversity, is under threat from illegal fishing tanks, industrial pollution and a number of other factors.The lake serves as a foraging ground for resident
as well as migratory birds. At present, 6,000 Spot-billed Pelicans, 5,000 Painted Storks and 5,000 Asian Openbills are estimated to be found in Kolleru. The lake also supports 63 species of fish.The Kolleru Lake plays a vital role in absorbing carbon, which
in turn, mitigates the effects of global warming. Currently, the emission of carbon into the atmosphere is a major global issue. This freshwater lake acts as a carbon sink similar to any other thick forest area. It also acts as a filter for pollutants released
as a result of industrial activity.
2. There is constant pressure from vested interests to encroach and destroy environmental hotspots like the unique Kolleru Lake, primarily for the production of food. But it is wetlands like this large freshwater lake and the
flora that it supports, that scrub and cleanse the effects of the Greenhouse gases being produced by encroaching urban development. The Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary is also a second home for thousands of migratory birds that come here in winter. The lake provides
them the food required to take the long flight back to the area where they roost. All these birds will become extinct if the lake is destroyed. Reducing the wastage of food will reduce the demand for food production which in turn will reduce the pressure for
destruction of such hotspots.
Mrs Shakti Bishnoi
Mr A S Bishnoi
https://www.saevus.in/the-story-of-a-glory-lost-kolleru-lake/
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Posted by
Bhagyesh shah
on
April 03, 2019
I visited Thol bird sanctuary early winter morning this year and saw more than 50 types of birds. it was amazing to see sunrise and many water birds,birds of prey and animals like wild hare,fox and nilgai.Few pics i have shared on this link https://www.viewbug.com/member/bhagyesh9
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Posted by
Susan Sharma
on
October 26, 2018
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is now known as Keoladeo National Park. The 29 square km park’s woods and man-made wetlands protect over 350 species of migratory and resident birds, including herons,
cormorants and eagles. It is also a World Heritage Site.
During the month of October, when this video was made, the resident birds are breeding. November onwards, the migratory birds start arriving.
As the park lies on the Central Asian Flyway of the Asia Pacific Global Migratory
Flyway, it is a staging / wintering ground for a large number of migratory waterfowls. The rare Siberian cranes used to winter in this park but this central population is now extinct. The
last Siberian Crane was seen here in 2002.
The sanctuary was created 250 years ago and is named after a Keoladeo (Shiva) temple within its boundaries. The park was a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Bharatpur, a tradition dating
back to 1850, and duck shoots were organised yearly in honour of the British viceroys.
Video Susan Sharma
Music Chris_Zabriskie_-_03_-_Theres_Probably_No_Time
Watch this film at
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

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Posted by
Susan Sharma
on
October 12, 2018

Mountain pheasants are seen in the Himalayan region. In India they occur in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and J&K. Neighboring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan also have
some. Pheasants are the Winged guardians of Mountainscapes. Pheasants are the species of birds to which our national bird, the peacock, belongs.
Pheasants are an indicator species for the health of our mountains. About a third of all the pheasants in the world are found in India. While many pheasants have been reduced to birds for
captive breeding (like the jungle fowl) or as game birds in the US and Europe, several parts of Asia still have the wild population. Seeing a tragopan in the wild can be compared only to seeing a tiger in the wild for the first time. The round black-bordered
white spots or ocelli on the tragopan's feathers make it look like the King of Birds studded with diamonds all over. No wonder the local names for the tragopan are "Jewar" and "Sonalu". The tragopan is the state bird of Himachal Pradesh.
The beautiful monal pheasant, 'the bird of nine colours', is the state bird for nd Uttarakhand and Nepal. Monal feathers used to adorn the Kinnaur Caps of wealthy persons. Now their use
is banned officially.
The birds cannot be viewed as game birds as most of the Western community does but these birds are the winged guardians of our mountainscapes. The pheasants are more than just beautiful
birds, for they also have scientific value for environmentalists and ecologists. Years of research have shown that Himalayan pheasants are mostly found in moist, temperate forests where there is a thriving community of oak trees. Oaks are important in ecological
terms because they grow only in forests that are mature with plenty of healthy undergrowth in the form of vibrant grasses and bushes and a wide array of specialized tree species. After establishing the close link between oak trees and pheasants, ecologists
have reached the conclusion that a fall in pheasant population mirrors an adverse change in the mature forest habitat.
The hills and valleys of the Himalayan ranges are the only areas left in the world where these exotic birds species still exist in their natural surroundings. Western Tragopan, Himalayan
Monal, Cheer, Koklass and Khaleej - the mountainscapes exist because they exist. Anyone living in the mountains will vouch for the Himalayan Monal whose calls warn the ground dwelling animals like musk deer, tahr and bear of approaching hunters /poachers.
It is high time we removed the tag of game birds from pheasants.
See our short film
Sarahan-a Sanctuary for mountain birds
https://youtu.be/6xZtmM0uIZg
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Posted by
Pranay Rai
on
February 21, 2016
Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, also known as Ghana Bird Sanctuary, is one of the best bird sanctuaries in the world.
The name Keoladeo comes from the temple of Lord Shiva which is located in that area. And Ghana means ‘dense’. The sanctuary is a heaven for animal lovers and bird watchers.
The park is open throughout the year, although, the best experience of watching the migratory birds and pythons, comes in the winter months from mid October to February. December is considered to be the ideal month for bird watching as a plethora of birds can
be seen.
The park allows the visitors to hire bicycles and rickshaws for the tour.
A narrow road, fit for cycling, winds its way throughout the park surrounded by dense green forest.
A sweet chirping of various birds can be heard in the magnificence of the forest. A large variety of birds can be seen basking in the sun, feeding the chicks, soaring high in the sky, plunging into the water bodies for fishes.
Along with the umpteen birds, mammals such as the Spotted Deer and Nilgais can be spotted.
On our visit, in September this year, a male Spotted Deer stag was seen crossing the road. It stood there for a few seconds, flaunting its majestic body, and then disappeared in the bushes.
A Nilgai was spotted running through the swamp waters, creating a sudden ruckus which alarmed the birds around the place. The then serene scene was filled with boisterous chirping and splashing of water in no time.
Frogs can be heard croaking around the muddy and still water of the marsh. Snails can be easily and abundantly found in the bogs.
The best thing about the park is the independency for the tourists. There are no limitations in the safari timings and zones. A person can go anywhere and can stay in the park until the sun sets. Guides, possessing an ample amount of knowledge about the flora
and fauna and about the park, can be hired accordingly by paying an extra amount along with the tickets and bicycle charge.
The park is a bliss for the wildlife enthusiasts and is one of the must visit places in Rajasthan.
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