Chennai: Tamil Nadu foresters and the members of Conservation Authority of Pallikaranai Marshland are gearing up for World Wetland Day celebrations to be held on February 2.
As a prelude to the event, foresters on Wednesday conducted painting and elocution competitions for school and college students in south Chennai. By the first week of February more awareness programmes and bird watching events will also be held as there is a need for more awareness among the younger generation, said Pallikaranai ranger P. Natarajan.
Pallikaranai enjoys protection in the wake of Conservation Authority, but a lot of wetlands are still suffering biotic pressure and encroachments. Most of the wetlands are now under the control of public works department and local bodies and a long-term policy is required to protect lakes and water bodies, opined R Govindaraj of Exnora International.
Lakes in Porur, Pallavaram, Chengalpet and Narayanapuram are examples of water bodies facing pollution and neglect by the local bodies, he added.
Pallikaranai has reclaimed more area from the city corporation and industries department and is receiving the state attention.
Similar attention is required for other wetlands located in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, said avid bird watcher K V R K Thirunaranan, of the Nature Trust.
