Pulicat Lake

Recently, fishermen around Pulicat Lake have raised concerns over siltation in the lake, demanding a long-term solution as the growing silting threatens their livelihoods. This issue is significantly impacting the local economy, especially for communities dependent on fishing, which has been their traditional way of life for generations.

About Pulicat Lake

Pulicat Lake is a vast coastal lagoon located along the Bay of Bengal, straddling the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It is the second largest brackish water lagoon in India, after Chilika Lake. Here's a detailed overview:

• Size and Location: Spanning across both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the lagoon is separated from the Bay of Bengal by Sriharikota Island.

• Rivers and Waterways: The lake receives freshwater input primarily from the Aarani River (at the southern tip) and the Kalangi River (from the northwest). Additionally, the Buckingham Canal, a navigation channel, also passes through the lagoon, contributing to its water system.

• Designation: Pulicat Lake was designated as a Ramsar site in 2002, recognizing its importance as a wetland of international significance.

Ecological Importance and Biodiversity

Pulicat Lake is an ecologically rich area, supporting a variety of species and ecosystems, making it a vital environmental resource:

• Flora: The lagoon is home to over 132 plant species, including Walsura piscida, Manilkara elengi, and Spinifex littoreus (a species of grass common along coasts). These plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the lagoon and its surroundings.

• Fauna:

  • Marine Life: Pulicat Lake hosts an array of aquatic life, including mudskippers, seagrass beds, and oyster reefs.

  • Birdlife: The lake serves as an important habitat for migratory birds, including Eurasian curlews, oystercatchers, bar-tailed godwits, and greater flamingos. The lake's rich avian diversity makes it a key site for birdwatchers and ecotourism.

• Ecotone: Pulicat Lake functions as an ecotone (a transition area between two ecosystems), where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from the sea, creating a unique environment for various species of plants and animals.

Current Concerns: Siltation and Impact on Livelihoods

The fishermen community around Pulicat Lake is facing an ongoing challenge due to the increasing levels of siltation in the lagoon. The accumulation of silt in the lagoon is reducing the depth of the water, making it difficult for fishing boats to navigate and impacting the fishing grounds. As a result, the livelihoods of thousands of families who rely on the lake for fishing are being directly affected.

The demand from local fishermen is for a long-term solution to this issue, which may involve:

• Dredging the lagoon to remove excess silt.

• Implementing better management practices to prevent further siltation, including the control of agricultural runoff and improved river management.

• Ensuring sustainable fishing practices to preserve the biodiversity of the lagoon and avoid overfishing.

Conclusion

Pulicat Lake is a crucial ecological resource, supporting a wide range of biodiversity and providing livelihoods for thousands of people. However, the growing issue of siltation is threatening both the health of the ecosystem and the livelihoods of local fishermen.