Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Five Waterbodies to Gain Wetlands Status In Puducherry
Puducherry or Pondicherry, a popular destination, and a famous union territory attracts tourists worldwide. It is known for its scenic beauty but due to climate change, it is facing challenges in preserving its water bodies, which contribute to its allure. Recently, in April 2023, there was news about AGG's efforts to restore the water sources in Puducherry.
In the past, during the reign of the Cholas over a thousand years ago, Puducherry had more than 600 pounds, but today only around 420 of them have survived. The Cholas implemented strategies like long-term planning, desilting, dam strengthening, and tree planting to maintain these water bodies. They also introduced the 'Kudimaramathu' system, which generated revenue through activities like fish farming, to support local communities in conserving the water bodies.
After the French government arrived, the 'Kudimaramathu' system was institutionalized as 'Syndicate Agricole' and 'Casse Commune.' Under this system, a budget was allocated annually for the maintenance of ponds and large tanks.
Following this legacy, the Government of India is now actively working to protect the water bodies of this beautiful Union Territory. They have decided to declare five water bodies in Puducherry as wetlands under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2017. This designation will prohibit encroachments and permanent constructions, ensuring the preservation of these water bodies.
The identified water bodies include Oussudu Lake, Katterikuppam Tank, Korkadu Tank, Vadhanur Tank, and Bahour Lakes (the second-largest lake in Puducherry). Oussudu Lake, a renowned bird sanctuary spread over 800 acres, is managed jointly by Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Originally built by the French as a drinking water source, it serves as a habitat for various bird species.
In an interview given to a newspaper, Conservator of Forests Vanjulavalli Sridhar emphasized that once these water bodies are designated as wetlands, encroachments, and constructions will be strictly prohibited. However, local communities will still be able to engage in traditional fishing activities and use the water for daily needs. Stricter regulations and conservation strategies will be implemented to ensure their sustainable use.
This is the first phase of the plan, and in the second phase, the Puducherry UT Wetlands Authority plans to declare additional water bodies as wetlands. These wetlands will be assessed based on factors such as annual bird count, oxygen demand, and encroachment, among others. This initiative is a crucial step towards conserving water bodies and will enhance environmental visibility while boosting local tourism.
What are wetlands? Wetlands are not only home to diverse flora and fauna, including waterbirds, but they also serve as platforms for scientific and educational activities. Nature enthusiasts and tourists are drawn to wetlands for their natural beauty and abundant biodiversity.
