Konkan Railway plans to draw migratory birds to Goa

Konkan Railway traversing 741-km long western coast from Mumbai to Karnataka has initiated a project to increase the flora and fauna around the Carambolim Lake in Goa, an official said Friday.

The project involves beautifying the area around the lake to lure more migratory birds to its serene ambience and increase their numbers.

Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC) CMD B.P. Tayal and Goa's principal chief conservator of forests recently met to lay down a road-map to attract more of the winged species to the picturesque lake.

The lake is home to Purple Heron, Gray Heron, Jacana, Pintail, Indian Stork, Cuckoo, Waterfowls, Egrets, Moorhens, Lesser Whistling Teals, Shovelers, Garganeys, Red-rumped Swallow, Coots and in recent past even some Pink Flamingoes.

The KRC will increase the green cover by planting more trees bearing fruits like mango, almonds, cashewnuts and chikoo around and along the Karmali station, which is adjoining Carambolim Lake.

For nesting and roosting of the migratory birds, the KRC has constructed three earthen mounds of 40 sq metres and five-metre tall in the lake where trees and other plants will be planted.

More fruit trees will be planted along the newly built embankment which runs along the lake with plans to build an interpretation centre for bird lovers and improved seating along the lake for visitors and tourists.

Carambolim Lake, around 14 km from Panaji, is an artificial freshwater lake created to facilitate irrigation of paddy fields in nearby villages, but over the years, it has become a popular nesting site for local and migratory birds.