In a first, Pallikaranai marshland to be fenced

Chennai: In a first-of-its-kind effort in the country, the Tamil Nadu foresters have planned to completely fence the polluted Pallikaranai marshland. A model see-through fence is now being tried at the marsh and if cleared by the state, the fence would run for 22,000 metres in length and will be largest fenced plot in the state.

The foresters in Chennai have given principle approval for a contractor to construct a 50-metre wall with a see-through grill structure. The fence will have openings at the bottom to ensure the movement of water during floods. Under the first phase, fencing will come to a distance of 12,000 metres and the remaining area will be covered under the second phase.  

“We are left with no other option, as encroachment is a big menace. The city corporation also sees the marsh as a dumping ground and hence the decision to safeguard the wetland by fencing”, a forest department official said. On the ecological aspect, the plastic is removed from bird nesting areas and sewer overflow into the marsh is arrested near Elcot entrance side. Further to improve awareness of biodiversity, school and college students are periodically encouraged for bird watching inside the Pallikaranai marshland, the official added.

It may be noted that Pallikaranai served as a buffer for south Chennai during floods and is home to more than 120 migratory and indigenous birds breeding in Chennai. Purple Moorhen, teal, pelican, painted stork and night heron are some of the flagship species that throng Pallikaranai throughout the year.