Why in news
- Ongoing dredging for the proposed Mamallan reservoir in Kovalam-Nemmeli backwaters has disturbed a crucial habitat for migratory waterbirds.
- A survey recorded over 3,500 waterbirds across 51 species, including 25 migratory species protected under international treaties.
Key terms
Central Asian Flyway
A major migratory route used by waterbirds traveling between Eurasian breeding grounds and South Asian wintering sites.
Convention on Migratory Species
An intergovernmental treaty under UNEP that provides a global platform for the conservation of migratory animals and their habitats.
Garganey Duck
A small migratory duck species that breeds in temperate Eurasia and winters in tropical regions including India.
Backwaters
A part of a river or coastal inlet in which there is little or no current, serving as vital coastal wetland ecosystems.
What is the Central Asian Flyway?
- The Central Asian Flyway (CAF) covers a large area of Eurasia between the Arctic Ocean and the Indian Ocean and its associated island chains.
- It encompasses 30 countries and includes major wintering grounds in India for Arctic- and Siberian-breeding migratory birds.
Threats to Wetland Habitats
- Infrastructure development, dredging, and bund construction reduce foraging areas for long-distance migratory species like Garganey ducks and Greater Flamingos.
- Habitat degradation disrupts key stopover points required for resting and refuelling during seasonal autumn migration.
Why it matters
- Highlights conflicts between urban water storage projects and international biodiversity commitments under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
Prelims facts
- Central Asian Flyway covers Eurasian bird migration routes extending to India.
- Convention on Migratory Species is an environmental treaty under UNEP.
Mains discussion
- Balancing infrastructure development with coastal wetland conservation and international treaty obligations.
Source: The Hindu
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