Eco-development Works - impact on Bio-diversity Conservation in Irkam Island of Pulicat Bird Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh - a Case Study

Pulicat lake is the second largest brackish water lagoon in India harbouring several migratory birds like Flamingoes, Painted Storks, Grey Pelicans etc. Pulicat lake is subjected to many problems like fishing, Limeshell mining, Aqua culture etc. Eight Eco-Development Committees (E.D.Cs) were started to reduce the dependency of the villagers on the lake. Irkam island village is one such EcoDevelopment Committee. People were enlightened and awareness was brought to them about the importance of the PulicatBird Sanctuary through discussions and series of meetings. An N.G.O. from Young India Project was also involved. They were provided with other income generating activities like dairying, duck units, leaf plate making, tailoring, plastic wire bag weaving etc. to reduce their dependency on the lake. People started co-operating by way of stopping poaching, preventing poachers from outside, preventing smuggling offuelwood from the village, booking offorest offences etc. This participatory management of protected areas by people, N.G.Os and Forest Department will go a long way in Bio-Diversity Conservation.