Sowmiya Anbumani, an environmental activist, has moved to have the Pallikaranai wetland formally notified under the Wetlands Rules, 2017, citing its deteriorating condition.
The petition, filed with the state forest department, requests that the wetland receive the legal protection afforded by the 2017 regulations, which restrict encroachments and mandate ecological monitoring.
Pallikaranai, located on the outskirts of Chennai, spans over 600 hectares of marshland, mangroves and freshwater bodies that support a diverse range of flora and fauna. Recent reports indicate that illegal constructions and solid‑waste dumping have accelerated, threatening the area's biodiversity.
In her submission, Anbumani highlighted specific violations, including the conversion of wetland patches into residential plots and the unchecked discharge of untreated sewage. She argued that notifying the site under the 2017 rules would empower authorities to enforce existing safeguards and initiate restoration projects.
State officials have acknowledged receipt of the request and said a technical team will assess the wetland's current status. If the notification proceeds, the area will be added to the official list of protected wetlands, obligating stricter oversight and potential funding for conservation.
Local residents and NGOs have welcomed the move, viewing it as a crucial step toward preserving a natural asset that also acts as a flood‑buffer for the city. Anbumani stressed that timely action is essential, noting that climate‑related challenges make wetland protection more urgent than ever.
The outcome of the notification process is expected to be announced within the next few weeks, setting a precedent for other threatened wetlands across the state.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: The Hindu National