Nature enthusiasts on Thursday appealed to the district administration, Public Works Department, Corporation and Forest Department to stop a film shooting at the Ukkadam tank.
It is learnt that a Tamil film unit was shooting for an upcoming film. Film shooting resulted in curious onlookers gathering in large numbers along the tank bund. The onlookers and their vehicles further narrowed the already narrow motorable space on the busy Ukkadam – Aatuppalam section. Police had a tough time in regulating the traffic to ensure a free flow. However, president of the Nature Conservation Society (NCS) N. I. Jalaludeen represented to the District administration, Corporation, PWD and Forest Department to stop the film shooting immediately and not to permit the same in future.
The Ukkadam tank was a home for hundreds of migratory birds and it was pointed out that NGOs with public participation had de-silted the tank and strengthened its bund.Film crew by indiscriminate use were polluting the tank bund and the water by dumping waste materials and food items, he said.He said that film shooting on water bodies should not be permitted as per the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachments Act of 2007 and no activity shall be allowed on water bodies. It is learnt that without knowing the specific location, permission was being accorded by authorities in the State Government from Chennai. Officials here promised to take up this matter with the officials in Chennai. Mr.Jalaludeen urged the Forest Department to stop the shooting under the provisions of Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Meanwhile, sources said that the Corporation officials intervened later in the day and brought the shooting to a halt.
