Background

Pallikaranai Marsh is one of the last remaining natural wetlands of the Chennai city. It is locally known by generic Tamil name ‘kazhuveli’ which means a marsh or water logged area.

Pallikaranai Marsh is a part of the vast Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem. It is one of the few natural coastal aquatic habitats that qualify as a wetland in India. The seasonal dynamics in water volume, spread and chemistry, both historical and current, have rendered the Pallikaranai Marsh a biodiversity-rich South Indian wetland.

The topography of the marsh is such that it always retains some storage, thus forming a classic wetland ecosystem. The uniquely heterogeneous hydrology and ecology also makes the Marsh one of the most diverse natural habitats of the country.

Biodiversity of Pallikaranai Marsh is typified by the presence of species representing various faunal groups, of which birds, fishes and reptiles are the most prominent. It is the natural habitat to some of the most endangered reptiles such as the Russel’s Viper and birds such as the Glossy lbis, Pheasant-tailed Jacana etc,.

In recognition of its ecological significance, an area of 698 hectares of the Pallikaranai Marshland has been handed over to Forest Department. These areas are protected under the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882.