Overview
- Villagers in Vettangudi, Kollukudipatti and nearby hamlets forgo loud firecrackers during Deepavali to avoid disturbing nesting birds, a practice sustained for decades and echoed around Vellode Bird Sanctuary.
- Vettangudi was notified as a bird sanctuary in 1977, covering about 36.89 hectares of interconnected irrigation tanks that support species such as Black-headed ibis and Asian openbill stork, with recent records of the Chinese pond heron.
- State environment official Supriya Sahu highlighted the villages' low-noise observances with a Forest Department video, bringing fresh attention during this year's festival.
- Local authorities mark the holiday by visiting the villages to thank residents with sweets for their voluntary conservation.
- Forest officers say a proposal has been submitted to seek Ramsar wetland status, as residents describe the birds as sacred and credit nutrient-rich waters and tourism for boosting livelihoods.