A Greater Flamingo Sanctuary coming soon to Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu

Good news for flamingo lovers! Tamil Nadu will become a hub for flamingo enthusiasts as the state government has revealed its plans to declare Dhanushkodi, a beautiful ghost island set at the tip of Rameswaram Island, as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary. This initiative is a part of the 2025-26 budget and is designed to protect the region’s rich ecosystems.
For those who don’t know, Dhanushkodi is an important stopover for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway. It makes for a prime focus for conservation efforts and while presenting the DMK government’s fifth budget, Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu stressed upon building a sanctuary to protect migratory wetland birds.
Not only this, the government has also announced the creation of a ‘Raptors Research Foundation,’ with an allocation of INR 1 crore from the Endangered Species Conservation Fund. This foundation aims to conserve birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks, and vultures, which are important for the ecological health of the park.
These raptors, often found in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Madurai-Arittapatti, and Pallikaranai, are threatened by habitat destruction and toxins. The foundation will implement targeted conservation measures and raise community awareness to protect these essential species.
A significant highlight of the budget is the establishment of a biodiversity park spanning 1000 hectares in the Chengam region of Tiruvannamalai district. This area, historically significant in Sangam literature, has faced habitat degradation over time. With an initial investment of INR 10 crore for phase one, the Melchengam park will focus on restoring endangered native tree species, promoting eco-tourism, and advancing biodiversity conservation.
The park will also provide nature tourism facilities, combining green spaces with educational experiences. In addition to these major initiatives, the budget allocates INR 50 crore for the creation of a ‘Marine Resource Foundation,’ dedicated to protecting Tamil Nadu’s 1,076 km coastline. The foundation will prioritise mangrove conservation and sustainable fishing practices.

Six beaches, including Tiruvanmiyur and Uthandi, are set to receive Blue Flag certification in 2025-26, at a cost of INR 24 crore, ensuring they meet rigorous environmental and safety standards.
The budget also proposes INR 70 crore to convert 700 diesel buses to CNG, reducing air pollution, and INR 250 crore to upgrade 500 km of forest roads, enhancing forest management and supporting tribal communities. These measures demonstrate the Tamil Nadu government's commitment to preserving its natural heritage and promoting sustainable development.