Tamil Nadu Declares Dhanushkodi as Greater Flamingo Sanctuary

On World Environment Day (June 5, 2025), the Tamil Nadu government officially declared a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district. Spanning over 524.7 hectares, the sanctuary lies within the ecologically rich Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, offering crucial protection to thousands of migratory wetland birds along the Central Asian Flyway. The move, inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, marks a milestone in wetland conservation and biodiversity protection in South India.

Why in News?

Tamil Nadu notified Dhanushkodi as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary on June 5, 2025. The decision was announced during the World Environment Day celebration via video conference by CM M.K. Stalin. A Government Order (G.O.) issued on June 4, 2025, formalized the designation. The sanctuary supports over 10,700 wetland birds and lies on the Central Asian Flyway, making it a globally important bird habitat.

Objectives and Significance

• Protect and conserve migratory wetland birds, especially Greater Flamingos.
• Strengthen India’s commitment to international conventions like the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
• Promote responsible ecotourism, local livelihoods, and biodiversity awareness.

Sanctuary Details

• Location: Dhanushkodi, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu
• Area: 524.7 hectares across revenue and forest lands
• Part of: Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve

Ecosystems

• Mangroves (Avicennia, Rhizophora)
• Sand dunes
• Mudflats
• Marshes

Birdlife & Ecological Value

As per 2023-24 wetland bird survey,

• 10,700+ birds recorded
• 128 species including:
• Greater and Lesser Flamingos
• Herons, Egrets, Sandpipers
• Habitat for nesting sea turtles, marine biodiversity, and migratory species.

Associated Developments

• ₹50-crore Marine Conservation Foundation announced in Budget 2025 to support conservation efforts.

Sanctuary expected to,

• Act as natural defense against coastal erosion
• Serve as a research and tourism hub
• Raise awareness about climate resilience and wetland importance

Key Attendees

• CM M.K. Stalin (virtually inaugurated)
• Ministers Thangam Thenarasu, R.S. Rajakannappan, T.M. Anbarasan
• Supriya Sahu (Addl. Chief Secretary, Environment & Forests)
• Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Srinivas Reddy (Forest Officials)