Chennai: Pallikaranai Marshland in Chennai is among the three wetlands recently recognised with Ramsar certification. The Ramsar certification for Wetlands of International Importance is an international treaty for the conservation and effective use of wetlands.
Pallikaranai is one of the last remaining natural wetlands in Chennai. The marsh is surrounded by Buckingham Canal, OMR, residential and institutional areas. The marsh spread over 50 sq.km is not less than 1000 years old.
According to a report on PTI, the Pallikaranai Marshlands in Chennai, Karikili Bird Sanctuary in Chengalpattu and Pichavaram Mangrove in Cuddalore are recognised with Ramsar certification for being wetlands with International importance.
A release by Forest Department said, the government has been taking several initiatives for the protection and conservation of the state's natural ecosystem.
Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission is also one such initiative of the government to conserve and wisely use wetlands, it said.
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In a tweet, TN CM Stalin said, "With Pallikaranai Marsh, Pichavaram mangroves & Karikili bird sanctuary now being recognised as new Ramsar sites - the most prestigious international recognition for wetlands - TN now has four Ramsar sites including Kodiakkarai. I congratulate TN Forest Dept on this milestone."
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Along with the three wetlands in Tamil Nadu, India designated Sankhya Sagar in Madhya Pradesh and Pala wetland in Siaha district, Mizoram.