Collector Sheik Abdul Rahman laid the foundation stone for the International Bird Center at Agaram Reserve Forest in Villupuram district on Thursday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The International Bird Center at Agaram Reserve Forest and Kazhuveli Wetland Bird Sanctuary in Villupuram district will be a hub for global bird conservation. The center will include a heritage center, research and training facilities, nature trails, a birdwatching tower and boardwalks.
District Collector Sheik Abdul Rahman laid the foundation stone of the center on Thursday after Chief Minister MK Stalin virtually launched the project.
According to the Forest Department, the IBC will be set up under the Tamil Nadu Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Economy (TN-SHORE) project at an estimated cost of ₹50.3 crore. The center is intended to be a bird conservation awareness center through both interior (exhibits and models) and exterior (mimic wetland area/educational trail) interpretation.
In Agaram Forest, the IBC will be developed over an area of 47.46 acres. It will include a range of facilities – a conservation centre, a wetlands simulation area and research and training facilities – all aimed at promoting conservation awareness.
There are also plans to build a scale model of Kazhuveli Lake, tracing its history through large interpretive boards, a multimedia experience space and digitally equipped stations where visitors can listen to bird calls originating from the sanctuary.
There will also be a bird observatory. Designed to be 10.8 meters tall, the tower will consist of three levels, each providing approximately 450 square feet. space for exploration and observation.
A. Periyasamy, Principal Conservator of Forests, Villupuram Circle and officials attended.
Published – 05 March 2026 20:50 IST
