Nellore: As a fallout of Covid, Flamingo fest unlikely this season

Nellore: Though winged guests from across the globe descended on the Pulicat Lake surroundings feasting the eyes of sightseers, the district administration is not in a position to conduct the annual three-day Flamingo Festival owing to Covid-19. The festival is normally organised in Pulicat and Nellapattu areas between November and January for giving a boost to tourism sector.

Forest department made extensive arrangements last year at the Pulicat lake and Nelapattu bird sanctuary in Sullurupeta division for visitors. But, this year, the state government has not taken any decision even now on conducting the festival. The forest department had started allowing sightseers into Nelapattu bird sanctuary for watching the rare birds since November. Staff are directing the visitors to follow safety measures while entering the place.

More than 7,000 birds belonging to 11 rare species have spotted in Nelapattu sanctuary this year. The state government started the Flamingo Festival since 2001 aiming at generating revenue for the tourism department attracting bird watchers to Pulicat Lake and Nelapattu sanctuary.

"There is no proposal so far to conduct the festival this year due to the current pandemic. The festival is organised for three days every year and now Nelapattu bird sanctuary is open for the public to watch the rare species of birds," said an official from the forest department.

Flamingo Festival is organised in Tada, Sullurpeta and Doravari Satram areas every year. As part of the festival, the state government provides transportation to Nelapattu sanctuary and Atakanitippa in Sullurpet mandal besides boating in Pulicat Lake for witnessing rare birds at Bheemunivari Palem in Tada mandal.

The government conducts cultural programmes in Sullurpeta town inviting noted performers representing the culture and tradition as part of the festival. The festival normally is held in the first week of January on a grand scale. According to the official reports, around 5 lakh visitors, not only from the district but also from various parts of the state, attend the festival in January to watch the winged guests.