Latest news with #VASaravanan
Time of India
23-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Mangroves strike roots in B Canal
Chennai: A once-polluted stretch of the Buckingham Canal at Kazhipattur has now turned into a thriving mangrove forest under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission. Spanning nearly 250m, the state forest department planted 12,500 mangrove saplings from five different species last year. These saplings have now matured into a lush green cover. Environment department secretary Supriya Sahu said that to support the saplings and improve water flow, they used the 'fishbone' technique — creating seven main structures with 87 channels and 80 distribution canals. "The sewage outflow was plugged years ago, and volunteers were roped in to monitor the growth of saplings. They, along with officials, took care of the saplings and recorded their growth," she said. She added that the mangroves will act as a buffer in the coastal areas, particularly near the Muttukkadu region, and prevent flooding during the rising of sea levels. The initiative was led by Chennai forest officer V A Saravanan and his team. Officials said the mangroves also help capture carbon, support biodiversity, and prevent land degradation. Some types of mangroves planted include avicennia marina, which is the most abundant species, followed by rhizophora apiculata, rhizophora mucronata, bruguiera cylindrica, and aegiceras corniculatum. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What Is The Dental Implant In 2025 (Check) Dental Implant | Search Ads Search Now Undo Sahu said they mapped the state's coastal mangrove cover through the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management. "We have identified potential areas where fresh planting is required, including Cuddalore and Ennore," she said, adding that at Ennore 1.6 lakh mangrove saplings will be planted along the Kosasthalaiyar Estuary and surrounding areas. She added that a mangrove protection community will be created to monitor this. The city saw among the lowest plantation efforts — just 18 hectares over the past 10 years. Fishermen from Ennore said mangrove success in the estuary will only be possible if the release of coolant water from thermal plants is stopped. "The Ennore estuary is polluted with chemicals released by industries while the Tangedco plant is releasing its coolant water. The water cannot sustain any form of life. TNPCB must rein in all the industries," said M Raja, a fishermen community leader from Kattukuppam.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
As migratory birds fly home, native species thrive in Pallikaranai marsh
Chennai: Pallikaranai marsh is alive with the flutter and calls of native birds now that migratory visitors have taken flight. In recent weeks, native species have been engaging in their breeding rituals across the wetland. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to Chennai forest officer V A Saravanan, a wide range of birds, including pied myna, purple heron, lesser and fulvous whistling ducks, Indian spot-billed duck, purple and common moorhens, egrets, and common kites, were observed beginning their breeding activities. Among these, the Indian pied myna is drawing attention. Birder K V R K Thirunaranan says that this species, once rarely seen in the area, showed a promising rise in numbers. First recorded in the marsh in April 2018 as just a pair, the pied mynas have now grown to more than 15, with expectations of the population reaching 30 this season. This breeding season, their nests can be spotted near human settlements. Originally found in more often in Andhra Pradesh, the Indian pied myna gradually expanded its range into Tamil Nadu's wetlands over the past decade. Now they are seen in flocks as large as 30. However, unlike the more assertive common myna, the pied myna is known for its reserved nature. Breeding season of the Indian pied myna spans a longer period than many native birds, lasting from March through Sept. Similarly, this time a large number of black kites were also recorded in the marshland, which is a surprise, said Thirunaranan.
