Environment
Integrated bird census
- An integrated bird census is scheduled to be conducted across Tamil Nadu on December 27th and 28th to monitor the population and diversity of birds.
- This exercise is conducted annually at the state level to monitor the population and diversity of birds.
- The Tamil Nadu Forest Department intends to conduct the integrated bird census for the year 2025-2026 in two phases.
- The first phase will include a wetland bird census (inland and coastal wetlands), and the second phase will include a terrestrial bird census.
- India ranks 8th globally in bird species diversity, and Tamil Nadu’s wetlands and forests play a crucial role in this richness.
- Tamil Nadu is implementing several flagship projects, including the establishment of a hornbill conservation centre and undertaking conservation efforts.
- These also include the establishment of a raptor research foundation at the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), and the establishment of an international bird conservation centre in Marakkanam, near Puducherry.
History and Culture
A flood submerged the Keezhadi settlement a thousand years ago
- Archaeological excavations at Keezhadi on the banks of the Vaigai river reveal evidence of an urban settlement.
- Findings include brick structures, canals, floors, and pottery, aligning with descriptions in Sangam literature.
- A new scientific study has established an environmental timeline for the site.
- Based on these results, researchers concluded that the “urban-like” structures at Keezhadi were buried around 1,155 years ago due to major flooding of the Vaigai river.
- Researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory and the Department of Archaeology, Tamil Nadu used optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to analyse burial sediments.
- This technique estimates when mineral grains were last exposed to sunlight.
- Highlights the role of natural environmental events in shaping the history and decline of ancient settlements.
