Why in news?
Thousands of visitors flocked to the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh on 12 January 2026 to celebrate the Flamingo Festival. Families, students and birdwatchers gathered to observe migratory birds and enjoy exhibitions, cultural programmes and conservation awareness activities.
Background
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, situated in Tirupati district, covers about 458 hectares and was declared a protected area in 1976. It comprises the Kallur Reserve Forest, the Nelapattu irrigation tank and adjacent unreserved land. The sanctuary contains two main plant communities: waterlogged Barringtonia swamp forests where Barringtonia acutangula trees grow in shallow water, and southern dry evergreen scrub with species such as Manilkara hexandra, Maba buxifolia and Zizyphus xylopyrus.
Key facts
- Pelican stronghold: Nelapattu hosts India’s largest breeding colony of spot‑billed pelicans. It also supports breeding populations of black‑headed ibis, Asian openbill storks, black‑crowned night herons and little cormorants. In all, around 189 bird species have been recorded.
- Seasonal migration: From October to March the tank fills with water and becomes a haven for migratory waterfowl, including flamingos, pelicans and ducks. The birds feed on fish, crustaceans and aquatic plants, making the sanctuary a key stopover on the East Asian‑Australasian Flyway.
- Flamingo Festival: The annual festival promotes eco‑tourism and conservation. Visitors can walk along designated tracks to observe birds, participate in educational programmes at the Environmental Education Centre and enjoy stalls run by government departments showcasing agriculture, fisheries, handicrafts and local cuisine. Free meals and sanitation facilities are provided.
- Conservation challenges: Declining Barringtonia trees and pumping of water for agriculture have reduced breeding habitats. Conservation efforts focus on replanting swamp trees, regulating water levels and raising awareness among local communities.
Significance
- Biodiversity hotspot: By protecting one of the few remaining swamp forests in southern India, Nelapattu safeguards critical breeding grounds for pelicans and other waterbirds.
- Eco‑tourism and education: The Flamingo Festival draws tourists and students, generating income for local communities and fostering appreciation for wetland conservation.
- Conservation model: Efforts at Nelapattu demonstrate how habitat restoration, controlled water management and community participation can secure the future of migratory bird populations.
Source: The Hindu
