Pallikaranai Marshland: Chennai’s Vital Urban Wetland

Pallikaranai Marshland

The Pallikaranai marshland in Chennai has been in the news lately for two positive developments – the inauguration of a new ecopark for visitors to experience the wetland habitat, and the arrival of migratory birds marking the onset of the migratory season. These are welcome signs amidst the ongoing threats and challenges facing this urban wetland ecosystem.

Pallikaranai MarshlandDetails
LocationSituated 20 km south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu
BiodiversityHouses over 115 bird speciesInhabitants include snakes, fish, insects, and more
Ecosystem ServicesActs as flood control for ChennaiProvides livelihoods for neighboring communities
ThreatsLoss of habitatEncroachment of invasive speciesContamination and pollutionProlonged drought conditions
Conservation EffortsGiven the status of a Reserve ForestDesignated as a Ramsar SiteVarious restoration actions undertakenEngagement with local communities for protection
Recent DevelopmentsEstablishment of a new EcoparkArrival of migratory birds
ConclusionPallikaranai holds both ecological and economic importance. Persistent conservation measures are crucial.

The Pallikaranai marshland is a freshwater marsh and partly saline wetland located about 20 kilometers south of Chennai city in Tamil Nadu. Despite being situated in close proximity to a major metro, it supports rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, and plays a vital ecological role in flood control for the city. However, like most urban wetlands it also faces a number of anthropogenic threats. Conservation efforts to protect this important ecosystem are ongoing.

Features

Geography and Hydrology

The Pallikaranai marshland is spread over an area of 80 square kilometers, with coordinates 12.949371 N latitude and 80.218184E longitude. It is part of the greater Adyar River basin, and drains an area of over 250 sq km of south Chennai through two main outlets into the Bay of Bengal. Due to its low-lying topography, it acts as a storage basin – soaking up excess water during wet periods and releasing it slowly during dry spells. This flooding regulation function makes it an important aquatic buffer for the flood-prone city of Chennai.

pallikaranai marshland park

Biodiversity

The Pallikaranai wetland ecosystem houses impressive biodiversity of flora and fauna adapted to its seasonal variations in water level and salinity. It supports over 115 bird species including migratory species, 10 mammal species, 21 reptiles, 10 amphibians, 50 fish species, and several molluscs, insects and aquatic vegetation. Some threatened species found here include the venomous Russell’s Viper snake and wetland birds like the Glossy Ibis, Grey-headed Lapwing and Pheasant-tailed Jacana. In terms of bird diversity, it compares well with other renowned wetlands like Vedanthangal and Point Calimere in Tamil Nadu.

Ecological Importance

In addition to flood control for Chennai city, the wetland provides direct ecosystem services to local communities living in its vicinity. Seven surrounding villages depend partially on the marshland for subsistence fishing and collection of food, fodder and construction material. It also supports aquaculture in neighborhood coastal areas by maintaining water quality and biodiversity.

Threats

As an urban wetland in a heavily populated metro area, the Pallikaranai marshland faces several anthropogenic threats. Direct loss and fragmentation of habitat has occurred due to construction activities, road development and waste dumping over the years. Invasive plant species like Prosopis juliflora and Ipomea carnea are spreading and replacing native vegetation.

Pollution from untreated domestic sewage and urban wastewater inflow degrades the water quality and affects floral and faunal communities. Periodic droughts due to erratic rainfall exacerbate these threats and impact the marsh ecosystem.

Pallikaranai Marshland Map

Pallikaranai Marshland Map

Conservation Efforts

Recognizing its ecological importance, about 694 hectares of the Pallikaranai marshland has been declared a Reserve Forest by the Tamil Nadu state government. It has also been designated as a Ramsar Site of International Importance under the Ramsar wetland convention.

The Conservation Authority of Pallikaranai Marshland has been established to protect the area. It implements management activities like hydrological monitoring, anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration and local community engagement. These conservation efforts aim to safeguard the marshland’s biodiversity values and ecosystem services in the long run.

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