CHENNAI: Over the last few weeks, hundreds of tonnes of earth was mined out of Siruthavur lake, a prominent wetland just 45 km from Chennai. So far, 2,800 lorry loads were removed from the lake, and the Chengalpattu district administration granted permission to excavate another 2,225 loads by June 7, raising concerns of environmental degradation.
This is contrary to the State government’s plan to notify 100 wetlands in the next five years under the TN Wetland Mission launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin. With over 225 species recorded, Siruthavur is an important birding hotspot in North Tamil Nadu. The site hosts the vanishing Oriental Pratincole and Indian Courser.
