11/06/2017
PUNE: While
citizens undertake many conservation efforts, only few projects of this scale
have been successful.Volunteers from a non-governmental organization based in
the city, Tree Public Foundation (TPF), have managed to create two
artificial lakes for the sole purpose of providing safe haven to native and
exotic birds.
TPF founder Abhishek Kavitkar said the idea behind
creating these water bodies was to have a measurable positive impact on nature.
"Since we began work in 2010, our aim has always been to work on a scale
where the impact on the nature or the environment can be clearly
measured," he said.
"During our work we realised that birds are among the
most important elements in the eco-system. Hence, we focussed on creating a
space where they could thrive in peace, away from the din of the city,"
Kavitkar added. With this in mind, the TPF team of 25 volunteers created the
first lake measuring 2.5 acres at an isolated area near Rakshak Chowk in Aundh
in 2014.
They introduced various local and exotic species of fish into
the lake, and planted nearly 20,000 trees. This attracted many birds and the
area became home to various species that were earlier not spotted in Pune. The
team went further and created another lake near the first one. This year, both
the lakes were connected by a small channel.
The area around the new lake has around 5,000 fruit trees. The
TPF aims to plant another 15,000 trees, Kawitkar said. Rain harvesting
procedures have also been introduced to ensure that the lakes are
self-sustaining in nature. The effort of the TPF has paid off.
As many as 400 local and rare species of birds have been found
nesting and flocking to the area. "Due to the various species of birds,
the site has become a place of interest for students and researchers, who
intend to know more about the different species," Kavitkar added. The
project has been funded by the Cummins India Foundation as a part of the
organization's corporate social responsibility.
According to Kavitkar, a pair of the elusive Asian paradise
flycatcher has been spotted at the lakes. These birds are any birdwatcher's
delight, and many flock to Sinhgad valley specifically to see them.
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