Ecologically rich marshland faces destruction in TN

Chennai, June 18 (UNI) Pallikaranai marshland, one of the most ecologically diverse rich areas known for its rare species of birds and rich storage of ground water in the city here, is facing destruction due to rapid encroachments in the name of development by authorities and private property developers.

Even as the proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted on the entire stretch by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) before the construction, the recent water inundation clearly points to the under estimation in accessing the impact and damage it can cause to the aquatic system.

''Look, the government is considering these lands as wasteland and not marshland. They want to convert these for industrial uses and are planning to set up more IT parks in these ecologically diverse and water rich areas,'' says Mr V Srinivasan, co-ordinator of 'Pallikkaranai marshland save forum'.

He said the construction of the Madras Rapid Transport System (MRTS) will definitely create an impact on the ecology of the area.

A study conducted by IITians also showed that railways would not be able to run on the tracks laid on these lands as they would sink due to loose sand and clay.

''We have approached the authorities concerned. But to no avail'', Mr Srinivasan added.

A senior official of the Corporation Zone 10 told UNI, ''We make sure that the issue is settled and no other new construction in the swamp area, other than the MRTS and certain drainage construction is allowed. No private construction will be allowed in the area.'' More UNI AJ HS GC 1148