A few days ago, Bathukamma was celebrated on a grand scale at the rejuvenated Bathukamma lake in Hyderabad. It was restored by Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), which caught the attention of people. The Agency announced that it has undertaken the rejuvenation of six lakes in the city so far, and proposals were sent for the rejuvenation of 14 more lakes.
People working towards documenting and restoration of biodiversity, urged authorities undertaking lake rejuvenation to take proactive measures to restore biodiversity. Botanists and others suggested a list of native tree species which will help birds and other beings find food and shelter.
Apart from birds, other beings depended on the local ecosystem are butterflies, dragonflies and terrapins. A scientific plan is needed for restoration of the ecosystem; native species had to be introduced. If left unattended, exotic species might cause disruption, said Chemela Srinivas, professor of Zoology at Osmania University.
Birders who brought out the second season report of Hyderabad Bird Atlas, found that the water bodies within the city limits were polluted with plastic and waste dumping, choked with invasive water hyacinth and surrounded by walking tracks which increase human disturbance and reduce habitat quality challenges. The birders had suggested more local flora to encourage the avian population.
Challenges identified by the birders:
->Plastic pollution and waste dumping
->Encroachment, and habitat fragmentation due to construction to close to water bodies
->Proliferation of water hyacinth which leads to loss of aquatic diversity and unsuitable condition for many water birds
Practices for maintaining urban lakes:
In the Hyderabad Bird Atlas, which is being development by Hyderabad Birding Pals, Deccan Birders and WWF-India, measures to support bird population were suggested:
Ensure lake, slope or urban are not concretised but use stone while carrying out verification
Maintain belts of native vegetation between walking tracks or buildings and water edge
Improve waste management, provide adequate waste disposal infrastructure
Manage and control invasive speech species, such as water-hyacinth and morning glory
Restore natural habitat features: plant native aquatic plant and riparian vegetation
Create small islands or floating platforms as safe birding sites
Monitor and improve water quality
Engage community
Native trees which attracts birds
Dr. L. Rasingam, Scientist-E, Botanical Survey of India, Deccan Regional Centre, listed some of the native trees which helps in restoring biodiversity by attracting birds and other beings:
Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Jamun)
Mangifera indica L. (Mango)
Phyllanthus embelica L. (Amla)
Ficus sapp (Fig)
Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. (Indian Plum)
Bombax ceiba L. (Silk Cotton)
Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Correa (Indian Tulip)
Limonia acidissima L. (Wood Apple)
Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce (Jammi Chettu)
In case of aquatic green cover, Farida Tampal, State Director, WWF-India Hyderabad Office said that it is essential to promote aquatic wetland plant species like Cyperus (Tunga Gaddi) or Typha (Jammu gaddi or Enugajamu) etc. There are nearly 110 aquatic plant species.
She said that Jamun, Acacia (Babul or Nall Tumma), Bamboo etc. grow well near water bodies. “Care has to be taken to not plant large trees on bunds of lakes as they can breach the lake bund. These trees do well near water bodies. Aquatic wetlands plants also provide good habitat and they should also be present around lakes. Most lakes in Hyderabad hardly have any aquatic vegetation. The aquatic vegetation is mostly invasives species like water hyacinth, pistia (duck weed) etc,” said Mr. Farida regarding trees that will attract birds.
Sriram Reddy, a core member of Hyderabad Birding Pals, said that flowers, fruits near water bodies help attract birds and presence of the feathered friends indicates lakes are healthy.
He said that Ficus, Jamun, Neem, Tamarind, Silk Cotton and Palash are among the top choices if maximum diversity of birds is to be attracted.
He listed some more trees which are favourable to attract some specific species of birds:
Peepal / Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa) –Barbets, Bulbuls, Parakeets, Mynas
Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) – Hornbills, Green Pigeons, Mynas, Barbets
Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica, Amla) – Bulbuls, Barbets, Parakeets
Jamun (Syzygium cumini) – Barbets, Hornbills, Bulbuls, Parakeets
Neem (Azadirachta indica) flowers – Sunbirds
Published – October 01, 2025 01:53 pm IST
