Chennai: PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Sunday urged the Tamil Nadu govt to immediately demarcate and notify the Pallikaranai marshland, saying its protection was critical to safeguard Chennai from floods and ensure the city’s water security.Launching a signature campaign undertaken by People’s Movement to Save Chennai’s Lifeline Pallikaranai Wetland, floated by PMK’s environmental wing Pasumai Thaayagam along with environmental groups like including Poovulagin Nanbargal, Anbumani charged that not even a single wetland in Tamil Nadu was notified.“In 2017, the Indian govt introduced the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules. After that, Supreme Court reiterated that all wetlands in India should be notified. Notification means borders should be earmarked. But unfortunately not one wetland or marshland has been notified in Tamil Nadu,’’ he said. Anbumani said though TN had a wetland authority, it had not taken up the cause of wetlands.Anbumani said the Pallikaranai marshland was a natural drainage system of Chennai. “Around 100 years ago, it was spread across about 15,000 acres. But today, only about 2,500 acres remain,’’ he said.Anbumani said legal notification of the wetland was the only effective way to prevent further encroachments and protect the city from recurring floods.Anbumani also called for stronger protection of wetlands across the state and criticised authorities for failing to act. Urging chief minister C Joseph Vijay to intervene personally, Anbumani said the marshland should be demarcated and notified without further delay. Once notified, he said, fresh encroachments could be effectively prevented.PMK MLA Sowmiya Anbumani and water expert S Janakarajan of the Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS) participated in the event, during which pamphlets highlighting the importance of conserving the marshland were distributed to traders and members of the public.
