Perungulam tank in Thoothukudi moves closer to Ramsar wetland status
Synopsis
A year-long bird survey at Thoothukudi's Perungulam tank logged 147 species — including an Endangered Egyptian Vulture and 14 Schedule I protected birds — and now Tamil Nadu's Forest Department is pushing for Ramsar recognition. The wetland's fate could set a precedent for how India treats its lesser-known but ecologically critical inland water bodies.
Key Takeaways
Thoothukudi district administration and Tamil Nadu's Forest Department have begun the process of nominating Perungulam tank for Ramsar wetland recognition .
The tank spans 860 acres , is fed by the Thamirabarani River , and serves both irrigation and ecological functions.
A study from July 2023 to June 2024 recorded 147 bird species across 22 orders and 60 families , with 100 resident species .
The Egyptian Vulture (Endangered) and Curlew Sandpiper (Vulnerable) are among the threatened species documented; 14 species are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
A 'Blue-Green Centre' tag is also being considered to promote ecological awareness; the proposal must clear the district wetland committee before moving forward.
Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district administration and the state's Forest Department have initiated steps to secure Ramsar recognition for the Perungulam tank, a biodiversity-rich wetland in Thoothukudi district that supports an exceptional range of resident and migratory bird species. The push marks a significant step toward formal international conservation status for one of southern Tamil Nadu's most ecologically important water bodies.
What the Perungulam Wetland Holds
Spanning 860 acres within the Perungulam town panchayat, the tank is fed by the Thamirabarani River and serves dual purposes — meeting local irrigation needs while sustaining a thriving aquatic and avian ecosystem. A systematic study conducted between July 2023 and June 2024 recorded 147 bird species belonging to 22 orders and 60 families, of which 100 were resident species. The tank draws avian visitors throughout the year, with activity peaking during the summer months.
Threatened and Protected Species on Record
While the majority of recorded species are classified as 'Least Concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), several fall under higher threat categories. Five species — the Indian Roller, Spot-billed Pelican, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, and Asian Woollyneck — are listed as 'Near Threatened'. The Egyptian Vulture carries an 'Endangered' classification, while the Curlew Sandpiper is categorised as 'Vulnerable'.
As many as 14 species documented at the wetland are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, which confers the highest level of statutory protection available under Indian law. Perungulam also functions as a critical stopover for migratory species including the Little Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Whiskered Tern, Caspian Tern, and Slender-billed Gull.
Why Experts Are Calling for Urgent Conservation
Bird experts have highlighted that the wetland's grasslands, open scrub habitats, abundant food resources, and suitable nesting and foraging grounds make it a magnet for both native and migratory species. They have stressed the need for a comprehensive conservation plan to safeguard the wetland and its fragile ecosystem before further degradation occurs. This comes amid growing concern over the loss of inland wetlands across peninsular India, where urban encroachment and agricultural runoff have already claimed several ecologically sensitive water bodies.
Ramsar Bid and Blue-Green Centre Tag
Forest officials confirmed that discussions are underway to formally propose Perungulam for Ramsar designation, citing its rich biodiversity and diverse avian population as qualifying criteria. Separately, the department is also considering a 'Blue-Green Centre' tag for the tank to promote awareness of its ecological significance. The proposal is to be prepared after incorporating requirements from the Water Resources Department, following which it will be reviewed by the district wetland committee before being forwarded for further consideration. No timeline has been officially announced for either designation.
Point of View
An Endangered vulture, and 14 Schedule I birds make a compelling case. But India's track record on translating Ramsar designations into on-ground protection is uneven; several listed sites continue to face encroachment and pollution. The real test for Thoothukudi's administration will not be securing the tag but enforcing the buffer zones and water quality standards that meaningful Ramsar status demands. The simultaneous 'Blue-Green Centre' proposal risks becoming a branding exercise unless it is backed by a legally binding conservation management plan.
NationPress
29 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ramsar Convention and why does it matter for Perungulam tank?
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, and a Ramsar designation brings global recognition along with obligations to maintain a wetland's ecological character. For Perungulam tank, the recognition would provide a formal framework for protecting its 147 recorded bird species and threatened wildlife from encroachment and degradation.
How many bird species have been recorded at Perungulam wetland?
A study conducted between July 2023 and June 2024 recorded 147 bird species at Perungulam, belonging to 22 orders and 60 families, of which 100 were resident species. The wetland also hosts migratory species such as the Little Tern, Caspian Tern, and Slender-billed Gull.
Which threatened species are found at Perungulam tank?
The Egyptian Vulture, classified as 'Endangered' by the IUCN, and the Curlew Sandpiper, listed as 'Vulnerable', are among the threatened species recorded. Five additional species — including the Spot-billed Pelican and Asian Woollyneck — are categorised as 'Near Threatened'.
What is the 'Blue-Green Centre' tag being considered for Perungulam?
The 'Blue-Green Centre' tag is a designation being explored by Tamil Nadu's Forest Department to promote awareness of Perungulam tank's ecological importance. The proposal will first incorporate inputs from the Water Resources Department and then be reviewed by the district wetland committee before advancing further.
What is the current status of the Ramsar nomination for Perungulam?
As of August 2024, discussions are underway among forest officials to formally propose Perungulam for Ramsar recognition, but no official nomination has been submitted and no timeline has been announced. The proposal must pass through the district wetland committee before being forwarded for consideration.
