Tuesday, 23 September 2008

AP: Thermal power plant and SEZs a threat to Bioheritage sites

By U Sudhakar Reddy
Biological her itage sites in the state are facing serious threats because of the upcoming Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and thermal power plants.
Wildlife experts are concerned about the deathblow to the bird preservation sites in the state due to the units.
Sites such as the Naupada swamp, Telineelapuram in Srikakulam, Veerapuram in Anantapur, which are home to pelicans, Kondakarla Ava in Visakhapatnam abode of grey lapping, marsh fin foot, Uppalapadu in Guntur, which is a habitat for migratory birds are likely to be affected.
A thermal power plant at Naupada swamp is seen as biggest threat to the local ecology. Ornithologist Mr K. Mrityenjaya Rao said, “Naupada swamp is the largest in the state. At least 120 species of migratory birds come here. I wrote to the government regarding the ill effects of the plant,” He added, “Naupada swamp is a passage route for migratory birds from Central Asia, East Europe, Himalayas to South India. Pelicans, painted storks, white necked storks, Sarus crane are also frequent visitors.”

The proposed 1,300 MW thermal plant at Polatitippa in the vicinity of Machilipatnam port in Krishna district would be posting threat to Krishna estuary.
The AP Bio Diversity Board also took up the issue of Veerapuram pelican site in Anantapur district as it violated the bio diversity Act. An official of the AP Forest Department said, “The bird site is more than 70-years-old. Villagers have sent petitions to the government. The board had also written to the government.” “Due to the industries in the SEZs, pollution increas es. The surrounding water bodies get contaminated,” said the official.
In Visakhapatnam, Kondakarla Ava, which is a habitat of rare migratory bird and the catchment area of this will be affected due to the proposed economic zone. An SEZ is proposed in Mangalagiri mandal in Guntur district where Uppalapadu bird sanctuary is situated.
Forest officials, wildlife experts and bird watchers have asked the state to conduct environmental assessment before they go ahead with the SEZs.

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