Daily Current Affairs : 25-April-2024

The Tamil Nadu authorities are thinking about a massive change to the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary. This involves denotifying a large portion of the sanctuary, which may exclude Patta land in 13 revenue villages. This decision raises issues and discussions among local communities and conservationists.

Understanding Denotification

Denotification is a method where land that was previously designated as protected may be removed from that status. In this case, the Tamil Nadu government is following the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. As part of this process, individuals have been invited to submit written claims regarding their land. This claim period lasted for two months, giving people the opportunity to express their interests in the land.

Key Steps in the Denotification Process:
  • Public Invitation: Affected individuals have been asked to submit claims.
  • Review of Claims: The government will review these claims before making a final decision.
  • Final Notification: A final notification will be issued after settling the claims.

About Pulicat Bird Sanctuary

Pulicat Bird Sanctuary is a critical wildlife refuge located in both the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh and the Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the prominent birding spots in South India, attracting many bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

Notable Bird Species

The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of bird species, including:

  • Greater Flamingos
  • White Ibis
  • Grey Pelicans
  • Grey Herons
  • Open Billed Storks
  • Egrets
  • Spot Billed Ducks
  • Reef Herons
  • Painted Storks
  • Spoon Bills
  • Cormorants

These birds play a critical role in the ecosystem and contribute to the region’s biodiversity.

Denotification of Pulicat Bird Sanctuary: What You Should Know
Courtesy : PMF IAS

Important Points:

Denotification Proposal: Tamil Nadu authorities are considering denotifying a large portion of the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, potentially excluding Patta land in 13 revenue villages.

Public Concerns: The decision has raised issues and discussions among local communities and conservationists.

Understanding Denotification:

  • Denotification removes protected status from designated land.
  • Governed by the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
  • Individuals were invited to submit written claims regarding their land for a two-month period.

Key Steps in the Denotification Process:

  • Public Invitation: Affected individuals asked to submit claims.
  • Review of Claims: Government to review claims before final decision.
  • Final Notification: Issued after settling claims.

About Pulicat Bird Sanctuary:

  • Located in Tirupati district (Andhra Pradesh) and Thiruvallur district (Tamil Nadu).
  • A prominent birding spot in South India.

Notable Bird Species: Sanctuary is home to various species, including:

  • Greater Flamingos
  • White Ibis
  • Grey Pelicans
  • Grey Herons
  • Open Billed Storks
  • Egrets
  • Spot Billed Ducks
  • Reef Herons
  • Painted Storks
  • Spoon Bills
  • Cormorants

Ecological Importance: These birds play a crucial role in the ecosystem and contribute to regional biodiversity.

Why In News

The Tamil Nadu government is considering denotifying a significant portion of the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, potentially excluding Patta land in 13 revenue villages from the sanctuary area, which could lead to significant changes in local land use and conservation efforts.

MCQs about Denotification of Pulicat Bird Sanctuary

  1. What is the main reason for the Tamil Nadu government’s consideration of denotifying part of the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary?
    A. To increase tourism
    B. To address land claims by local residents
    C. To develop a new urban area
    D. To expand agricultural land
    Correct Answer: B. To address land claims by local residents
    Explanation: The government is following a process that allows individuals to submit claims regarding their land, indicating that the denotification aims to settle these claims.
  2. What is denotification in the context of the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary?
    A. The process of creating a new wildlife sanctuary
    B. The removal of protected status from designated land
    C. The addition of new land to the sanctuary
    D. The establishment of conservation programs
    Correct Answer: B. The removal of protected status from designated land
    Explanation: Denotification refers to removing the protected status from land that was previously designated as a wildlife sanctuary, allowing for different land use.
  3. Which of the following is NOT a notable bird species found in the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary?
    A. Greater Flamingo
    B. Grey Heron
    C. Bald Eagle
    D. Painted Stork
    Correct Answer: C. Bald Eagle
    Explanation: The Bald Eagle is not mentioned as a species found in the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary; the essay lists several other species that are present there.
  4. What is the potential impact of denotifying part of the sanctuary as suggested in the essay?
    A. It will have no impact on local ecosystems.
    B. It may enhance biodiversity in the area.
    C. It could pose risks to the habitat of many bird species.
    D. It will lead to the establishment of new wildlife protection laws.
    Correct Answer: C. It could pose risks to the habitat of many bird species.
    Explanation: The essay highlights that while the denotification aims to address land claims, it also poses potential risks to the habitats crucial for the sanctuary’s bird species.

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