Chennai: Waterbody conservationists had spotted two spot-billed pelicans pelicans injured and struggling at Korattur lake about ten days ago and alerted forest officials, who rescued the birds. One was taken to Children’s Park at Guindy, where it died the same day. The other was admitted to the Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary (BMAD) at Besant Nagar, where it survived for a couple of days before dying of injuries.An autopsy conducted by BMAD on the bird under its care revealed pellets embedded in the carcass. A senior wildlife official said the carcass of the other pelican had been sent to Madras Veterinary College for autopsy, and the results were awaited. Following the incident, wildlife authorities have stepped up vigil at the lake in an effort to catch the poachers.S Sekharan, founder of Korattur Aeri Padhukappu Makkal Iyakkam (KAPMI), voiced alarm over the back-to-back poaching cases, saying that many migratory birds, including pelicans, had been frequenting the waterbody over the past few years. He warned that unchecked poaching could drive the birds away to safer habitats, reversing a fragile ecological gain.He said his organisation was contending with pollution from the discharge of untreated sewage into the lake, and that poaching had now compounded the problem. KAPMI members renewed their demand that authorities declare Korattur lake a protected area, saying only formal safeguards could shield its fish, birds and overall ecology from further decline.Separately, a large number of dead fish were found in the lake on Wednesday, causing unease among locals. Fisheries officials attributed the deaths to pollution from untreated sewage inflow combined with increasing surface temperatures, both of which are steadily degrading the waterbody. Officials said authorities must act to plug the sewage inlets and take steps to protect the lake.
