Konkan Railway’s initiative in Goa to attract migratory birds

Mumbai: As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Konkan Railway (KR) will undertake an ecological project in Goa to attract more species of migratory birds to the picturesque Carambolim Lake adjoining Karmali Station. The project also entails beautifying the area.

The chairman and managing director of KR and the principal chief conservator of forests, Government of Goa, held a meeting recently to lay down a road map to attract more bird species to the lake. Since Karmali station, is located near the lake, an increasing green cover alongside the railway station would go a long way in attracting migratory birds, said Vaishali Patange, Chief Public Relations Officer of Konkan Railway.

As an initial step to increase the nesting and roosting of the birds, Konkan Railway has made three 40 sq ft mounds of 5 metres height within the lake and is in the process of planting trees and plants on these. Fruit-bearing trees such as almond, mango, chikoo and cashew are also being planted alongside the new embankment.

Konkan Railway’s other plans include developing an information centre for bird lovers and improving the seating alongside the lake for tourists.

Carambolim Lake, about 14km from Goa’s capital Panaji, is an artificial freshwater lake created to provide irrigation for rice paddies in the nearby villages. Over the years, it has become a popular nesting site for local and migratory birds and has become a famous birdwatching spot.

Due to its rich ecology, it has now become home to birds such as Purple Moorhen, Grey Heron, Pintail, Indian Stork, Lesser Whistling Teals, Coots, Shovelers, Red-rumpled Swallow, Bronze-winged Jacana and recently even flamingoes have been spotted.