Telineelapuram-an important area in distress

To:  The state government of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of India

Telineelapuram: An Important Bird Area under threat

Telineelapuram is in Srikakulam; the northern-most district of Andhra Pradesh, it borders the state of Orissa and it is rich in forest cover of the Eastern Ghats. The forests are very rich in Biodiversity and the plains are host to many birds, both migrant and resident, and Telineelapuram is one such place.

Telineelapuram is an Important Bird Area (IBA) under international guidelines. Two very important species of birds use this area for roosting, feeding and nesting, they being the Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) a near threatened species and the Spot-billed Pelican (Pelicanus philippensis) a vulnerable species. These are globally threatened hence the status given by the IUCN Red Data Book. This area is also host to many migratory and resident waterfowl – including the Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) and the endangered Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) – and those that depend on them, the Sea eagles, kites, hawks etc.

The beach, which is about 10 K.M. from here, is a nesting site for the endangered and globally threatened Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) which nests in vast numbers here.

This area also falls on the main migratory route (Eastern route) for birds coming into India. This is the important Eastern corridor.

The many creeks, swamps and seasonal flood plains are important areas for breeding fishes, prawns and other crustaceans and form their nurseries. These life forms are an important food source for the birds. The stocks of fishes, prawns, shrimp etc. form a commercial chain for the local fisher folk.

It is very rich in bio-diversity and it supports many ecological systems. Therefore, any modifications to the area and its environment have to be carefully weighed and a bio-diversity impact assessment along with an environment impact assessment needs to be carried out before modifying the area.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Telineelapuram-an important area in distress Petition to The state government of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of India was created by and written by Mathen Rajeev Mathew (biowild.foundation@gmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.