AARDE Foundation, in association with Indian Maritime Foundation & Ocean Conservancy, USA, has arranged for an International Coastal Clean-Up at Pulicat (also called Pazhverkadu) on September 3. It is a joint effort by volunteers from Chennai and the people of Pulicat.
Pulicat is the second largest brackish-water eco-system in India after Chilka Lake in Orissa. Shared by Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the million-year-old ecosystem is fed by rivers such as Arani, Kalangi and Swarnamukhi. Commercial fishery is the major source of income for people in the surrounding areas. The lake is the third most important wetland on the eastern coast of India for migratory shorebirds during the spring and autumn seasons.
The rich history and the rich bio-diversity of Pulicat Lake calls for careful conservation and this requires concerted action. The International Coastal Clean-up is aimed at encouraging active participation in conservation.
The clean-up calls for volunteer participation to make the initiative a success. They will be picked up at 5.30 a.m. on September 3 from Loyola College, Nungambakkam.
The clean-up time is from 6.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Pulicat, Tiruvallur District.
Volunteers are requested to register two days in advance for transport arrangements. For registration, contact 044 42139961.
