Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary

Context

Despite its designation as a Ramsar Site, Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary still requires better wetland conservation and management.

About Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary

1. Location: Located in Uthukuli Taluk, Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu, about 10 km north of Tiruppur city.
2. Area: Spans approximately 125.87 hectares.
3. Wetland Type: A shallow freshwater lake replenished by rainfall, surface runoff and the Nallar River, a tributary of the Noyyal River.
4. Historical Background: Named after King Nanjarayan, who is believed to have restored the lake centuries ago.
5. Bird Sanctuary Status: Declared the 17th bird sanctuary of Tamil Nadu in 2022.
6. Ramsar Status: Designated as a Ramsar Site of International Importance on 16 January 2024.

Ecological Significance

1. Migratory Birds: Located along the Central Asian Flyway, it provides feeding and breeding grounds for resident and migratory birds.
2. Biodiversity: Records 191 bird, 87 butterfly, 7 amphibian, 21 reptile and 11 small mammal species, along with 77 plant species.
3. Water Resources: Supports local irrigation and groundwater recharge.

Conservation Concerns

1. Weak Management: Wetland conservation and management remain inadequate despite Ramsar designation.
2. Water Pollution: Pollution and untreated wastewater threaten water quality.
3. Invasive Species: Invasive alien species may disrupt the wetland ecosystem.
4. Habitat Degradation: Habitat alteration and human disturbance threaten biodiversity.

Additional Information: The Ramsar Convention

1. Adopted: 1971 in Ramsar, Iran; came into force in 1975.
2. Objective: To conserve wetlands and promote their wise use, balancing conservation with sustainable human use.
3. Secretariat: Gland, Switzerland.
4. India’s Membership: India became a Contracting Party in 1982.
5. World Wetlands Day: Observed on 2 February, marking the adoption of the Convention.
6. Coverage: Includes natural and human-made wetlands such as lakes, rivers, marshes, mangroves, peatlands, coral reefs, reservoirs, and rice fields.
7. Ramsar Site Criteria: A wetland must meet at least one of nine criteria based on unique wetland types, threatened species, biodiversity, and internationally important waterbird or fish populations.

FAQs

Q1. Where is Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary located?

Ans. It is located in Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu, near Tiruppur city.

Q2. When was Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary designated a Ramsar Site?

Ans. It was designated on 16 January 2024.

Q3. Which river supplies water to the lake?

Ans. The Nallar River, along with rainfall and surface runoff, supplies water to the lake.