Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad   

HUDA to develop two Bird Islands

By T. Lalith Singh

HYDERABAD NOV. 12. Winged creatures flying over the Hussain Sagar would have seen a place to perch and rest themselves in the middle of the lake.

In a bid to get back the migratory birds, which off late have begau skipping the lake on their long flights, the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has decided to develop two exclusive Bird Islands. These islands would be out of bounds for any direct human access.

The HUDA chairperson, Lakshmi Parthasarathy, said two rock outcrops would be developed for the migratory birds to make a halt. The islands are set to come up on an area of five to six acres each.

G.Achalender Reddy, Officer on Special Duty, Buddha Poornima Project Authority, said the islands would be dotted with Barringtonia, medium-sized tree with large, pointed leaves up to 45 cm long. These trees have pinkish flowers and fruits that are reddish brown and slightly four-angled. "These species grow nicely in water and are ideal for birds to perch and nest," he said.

Not only the local ones, but a lot of birds from Northern India, Mongolia and China come here to escape the harsh winter conditions there, Mr.Reddy said. These include larger Egrates, Teals, Pintail ducks, Jacanas, Purple Moor Hens and bar headed Goose, he added.

"We can look forward to anywhere between 1,500 to 2,000 birds at the Hussain Sagar," Executive Director, HUDA, Bhoopal Reddy, said. The migrating birds usually arrive in the city around November 15 and stay here till March.

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