A splash of pink was added to the Pallikaranai marshland this weekend with the arrival of the beautiful flamingoes. These magnificent creatures migrate to warmer places during winter and therefore can be spotted in Tamil Nadu. They visit quite a few places within this state, including Point Calimere and Pulicat Lake. Since 2012, they have stopped by the Pallikaranai wetlands – a freshwater swamp which is at the centre of south Chennai. As I observed these pink beauties, they gently took off gliding through the wind, captivating the eyes of all.
Pallikaranai wetland is one of the few wetlands left in South India. This wetland is thriving with life. As you walk down this road, you can easily spot more than 30 species of birds. At first sight your eyes will be captured by the beautiful Purple Swamp Hen, the sound of the Pheasant-Tailed Jacana calling and the pattern flying by the black winged Stilts. The sight of little ducklings playing in the swamp always puts a smile on my face. Every weekend as I walk along this road, I get to see at least one new species.
According to recent studies, there are about 337 species in this wetland – 115 birds alone! But every weekend as I walk along this road, the joy of seeing these beautiful creatures is taken over by the fear that their habitat/home will be destroyed forever. Even though dumping garbage in the Pallikaranai marshland was banned by the government a few years back, it is still very much active. Every weekend I can see the garbage filled trucks moving in and out. Isn’t there any other place to dump waste?
Many a times we have failed to protect our environment and it is really painful to see this beautiful marshland, which is thriving with life, being destroyed right before our eyes. This is our world to protect. If we don’t fight to protect it, who will?
