Tamil Nadu Invites Tenders for International Bird Centre at Kazhuveli Sanctuary

The Tamil Nadu Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests has invited tenders for the construction of the proposed International Bird Centre at the Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary near Marakkanam in Villupuram district. The project, estimated to cost ₹46.94 crore, will be implemented under the Tamil Nadu Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy Project, known as TN SHORE.

Officials said the International Bird Centre is envisioned as a key conservation and education hub, designed to raise public awareness about wetland ecosystems and migratory bird species through immersive learning experiences. The project will be developed across two locations, the Agaram Reserved Forest along the East Coast Road and the Kazhuveli Lake area, situated about 7.3 kilometres apart, with careful planning to blend built structures into the surrounding natural landscape.

The Agaram Reserved Forest site will host the main interpretation and conservation facilities across 47.46 acres. Planned components include a conservation centre, research and training spaces, and a wetland mimic area that will allow visitors to understand wetland ecology up close. A significant highlight of the project is its landscape design prepared by the Auroville Botanical Garden, which proposes afforestation across 10.65 acres and landscaping over 7.41 acres to support insects, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and birdlife.

The landscape is designed as a living ecosystem featuring biodiversity forests, curated forests, grasslands, and nature trails that enable visitors to experience the habitat as they move through the site. Inside the centre, a scaled model of Kazhuveli Lake, interpretation boards, multimedia spaces, and digital stations will help visitors learn about bird calls, migratory routes, and habitat diversity.

The second site at Kazhuveli Lake will focus on bird watching infrastructure, including wetland zones and a 10.8 metre high bird watch tower with three observation levels. Electric shuttle services will connect both sites, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Kazhuveli Lake is one of the largest brackish water wetlands in Tamil Nadu and lies along the Central Asian Flyway. Home to more than 200 bird species, the wetland is recognised as a priority conservation area and a potential Ramsar site, playing a vital role in supporting migratory bird populations.