Visited by thousands of migratory birds each year, nearby Vellode Birds Sanctuary today wears a deserted look as severe drought in the district has led to no water flow to Periyakulam tank, over which the sanctuary is formed.

Various species, including Pelicans, Darters and Teals migrate from countries like Australia to the sanctuary in October and November every year for breeding and leave by March next year. This year too thousands of birds did arrive, but left by February end due to severe drought, forest department sources said.

Called "Big Tank" the sanctuary situated about 15 km from here receives seepage water from Lower Bhavani Project's main canal all year around. The sanctuary, maintained by the state government, was established in 1996 over 80 acres of land in the Mettupalayam village in Vellode area in the district.

Due to the drought, the forest deparment has temporarily stopped rearing fish varieties used to feed the birds and banned fishing and poaching in surrounding areas.

Villagers in nearby areas in Mettupalayam and other places have also stopped bursting of crackers during festive seasons to avoid scaring of the birds.

No water has been released in LBP canal due to poor storage in the Reservoir. Forest officials hoped the storage in the tank would improve at the beginning of seasonal rains.

Forest officials said this is the second time in the history of the 18-year-old sanctuary that the tank has completely dried up.