Six hundred and seventy five — that is the total number of species documented at Singanallur Lake. Birds, butterflies, insects, plants…every single life form supported by the wetland makes it to the list. And, you can learn all about it at the newly opened Urban Nature Interpretation & Education Centre (UNIEC) at the Singanallur Lake.
P. Pramod, senior scientist at Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), says it’s been a dream to have an education centre at Singanallur Lake. “For the last 15 years, we have been visiting the lake with children there to see the birds and butterflies . The city corporation has understood the importance of the wetland now and is joining hands with us. They are taking the lead with UNIEC,” says Pramod.
Joseph Reginald, a PhD scholar at SACON, has observed the lake for over five years as a part of his doctoral thesis. “Did you know that areas near Singanallur Lake are home to over 150 species of medicinal plants?” he asks. “Mudukkathan keerai grows there in plenty. Farmers from the surrounding areas can often be seen there collecting the greens. This keerai has a lot of medicinal properties,” explains Vinny R. Peter, who is also doing a doctorate on the bio-diveristy of Singanallur Lake.
What makes this wetland unique is that it is located right in the heart of the city. “The urban population can connect with Nature right here without having to travel outside. The lake attracts thousands of birds from across the world. It is about time we conserve, nurture, develop and support this wetland. More so, when Coimbatore is all set to become a smart city. We need such bio-diversity hotpots where people can come to enjoy Nature and learn about conservation too,” says Pramod.
Vinny says Singanallur Lake is one of the least disturbed wetlands within the city limits. “Agriculture thrives in the surrounding environment. The water body supports many livelihoods . The greenery serves as fodder for the cattle. The palm trees and coconut trees in the area help retain a good groundwater table. There is abundant vegetation on the bunds. For a healthy food chain, a wetland has to be surrounded by greenery. The bushes near the wetland attract over 70 different species of butterflies.”
The centre also offers nature education to students. Says Joseph: “They can see and observe the life cycle of a butterfly rather than learning it from a PowerPoint presentation. Though the wetland is polluted because of untreated drainage that is let in, it is still least disturbed in terms of encroachments. Farmers still grow sugarcane, paddy, and vegetables here. Setting up an education centre is the first layer of protection for any wetland. To take it further, it can be declared as a community reserve area or given a sanctuary status. Students can learn about medicinal properties of plant, observe birds and butterflies, learn about the migratory route of birds, and also become environmentally responsible.”
Activities at UNIEC
Nature walks and guided tours
Bird watching and butterfly spotting
School-level studies and projects related to the biodiversity of the region
Nature photography, art camps and cycling
Tree planting initiatives
