Winged visitors at Merkook cheruvu deprived of habitat

Hyderabad: Merkook cheruvu off the Karimnagar highway is home to thousands of migratory birds is losing its sheen as hundreds of trees were cut by local traders in the last two days. Hundreds of Sababul trees that surrounded the lake used to provide shelter to thousands of migratory birds.

Locals complained that the Sababul trees were chopped down for wood that is used for doors and windows by the poor. Sturdy and cheap, the wood is much sought after in Siddipet and nearby areas. Laxman, a local, said, “In the last three days more than 100 trees were cut down.”

Beyniaz, a regular traveller on the route and an avid bird watcher, said, “We were appalled to see so many trees being brought down. Sababul trees that grow in water just like the trees in mangroves are strong and help in soil erosion.”

Mohan, a member of the Birdwatcher Society, said, “These trees are very important for the ecosystem and they are the nesting ground for thousands of birds. Sababul trees are quite sturdy as proven during the Tsunami of 2004 as many trees were uprooted but Sababul trees withstood. Mohan added, “Lots of migratory birds including painted stocks, red naped ibis and egrets make their way to the lake.”

The lake is also a picnic spot for locals as well as for people living in Hyderabad as it is just about 40-odd km from Jubilee Bus station. Sandhya, a teacher, said the lake is a pleasant sight when hundreds of birds are seen nesting in the branches and many a time we came across foxes, hare, partridges and civet cats in this area.

Lingam, a local who grazes his cattle in the area, said that the lake is a stone’s throw from the Chief Minister’s farm but the authorities are just turning a blind eye. Mohan said with the trees gone forever, the birds would not make their way. It is a huge loss that man would pay in time to come.