New status for Dhanushkodi
Tamil Nadu Declares Dhanushkodi a Flamingo Sanctuary: To mark World Environment Day 2025, Tamil Nadu has declared Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary. Spread across 524.7 hectares, this move strengthens efforts to conserve wetland ecosystems, especially within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, one of India’s most biodiverse coastal zones.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin via video conference on June 5, 2025. A formal Government Order (G.O.) had already been issued a day earlier, underlining the government’s commitment to long-term conservation.
Why Dhanushkodi matters?
Dhanushkodi is not just a scenic coastal town—it’s a key point along the Central Asian Flyway, a major route for migratory birds. Each year, over 10,700 birds visit this region. Flamingos, both Greater and Lesser, are the main highlight. Other regular visitors include herons, egrets, and sandpipers.
Besides birds, this region supports marine biodiversity, nesting sea turtles, and serves as a buffer zone against coastal erosion. The sanctuary’s varied ecosystems—mangroves, mudflats, marshes, and sand dunes—make it ecologically unique.
Boost to international goals
With this move, India has reaffirmed its commitment to international conservation agreements, especially the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Dhanushkodi’s declaration also supports India’s Ramsar Wetland targets, helping the country play a stronger role in global biodiversity protection.
Economic and ecological potential
This sanctuary is expected to attract eco-tourism, offering local livelihood opportunities while promoting climate education. The state budget 2025 also announced a ₹50-crore Marine Conservation Foundation to back such initiatives. This kind of dual focus—ecology plus economy—is critical in today’s climate-aware governance.
With over 128 bird species recorded in the 2023-24 survey, Dhanushkodi is likely to become a hub for birdwatchers, researchers, and conservationists alike.
Government and officials involved
This major ecological step was virtually inaugurated by CM M.K. Stalin. It also saw participation from key officials including Environment Minister Thangam Thenarasu, Supriya Sahu (Additional Chief Secretary, Environment & Forests), and senior forest officers like Rakesh Kumar Dogra and Srinivas Reddy.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Tamil Nadu Declares Dhanushkodi a Flamingo Sanctuary:
| Topic | Details |
| Location | Dhanushkodi, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu |
| Sanctuary Area | 524.7 hectares |
| Declared On | June 5, 2025 (World Environment Day) |
| Bird Count | 10,700+ (2023-24 survey) |
| Key Species | Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Herons, Egrets |
| Major Flyway | Central Asian Flyway |
| Biosphere Reserve | Gulf of Mannar |
| Ecosystems Present | Mangroves, Mudflats, Marshes, Sand Dunes |
| Government Order Issued | June 4, 2025 |
| Support Fund | ₹50 crore Marine Conservation Foundation |
| International Agreement | Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) |
| Chief Minister | M.K. Stalin |
| Key Officials Present | Supriya Sahu, Thangam Thenarasu, R.S. Rajakannappan |
