The Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve, the State’s first community reserve with a unique estuarial ecosystem, is in bad shape as none cares for it.
The initial interest shown by the government and people in conserving the mangroves and mudflats of Kadalundi when the concept of community reserve was launched in 2017 no longer exists.
Nothing visible has been done for the community reserve in the last few years. Moreover, a master plan prepared for the facility has been apparently dumped.
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U. Kalanathan, former president of Vallikkunnu grama panchayat and an outspoken exponent of mangrove conservation, said that strong political interests shown by those in the managing committee had virtually killed the community reserve.
“Nothing is taking place at Kadalundi. It is indeed a sad thing. In fact, a lot could have been done to lift this community reserve to a state where the world would take note of it,” said Mr. Kalanathan.
At present, a few tour operators are offering sightseeing services in country boats and homestays at Kadalundi.
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However, the promotion of local tourism in a small way by involving entrepreneurs should not be a mandate for the community reserve managing committee, according to Mr. Kalanathan.
Unabated dumping of waste in the ecologically fragile estuary continues to be the biggest menace for the community reserve. Some boards warning against dumping of waste at the community reserve have long disappeared.
Migratory birds
Echoing concerns raised by scientists studying the mudflats of Kadalundi and the foraging habits of migratory birds reaching there, Mr. Kalanathan said: “Major changes have taken place in the mangrove and mudflat ecosystems of Kadalundi of late. This does not augur well for both the community reserve and thousands of migratory birds reaching the estuarial mudflats for annual summering.”
He demanded that the government take solid and visible action not only to conserve the mangroves of Kadalundi but also to give the community reserve a momentum.