Following eco-restoration, the faunal diversity in the Adyar creek has increased considerably, from 273 in 2016-2017 to 331 in 2017-2018.
The species of insects — including butterflies and dragonflies — has increased from 98 to 155 in the creek, according to a policy note tabled in the Assembly by Municipal Administration and Water Supplies Minister S.P. Velumani. The restoration of the Adyar eco park has to comply with designated-best-use class-D, which, according to the Central pollution Control Board guidelines, would allow propagation of wildlife and fisheries.
As many as eight species of molluscs, 13 crabs, 155 insects, 10 fishes, 10 amphibians, 19 reptiles, 105 birds and 16 animals have been recorded in the Adyar eco park. According to the data, insects and birds have increased last year. In Adyar estuary, around 57,000 mangrove species and 35,000 terrestrial saplings have been planted, removing the invasive species, debris and plastic waste. A consultant has been appointed for the preparation of a Rapid Environment Impact Assessment report for obtaining CRZ clearance for 15 sub-projects in Adyar.
More in the pipeline
Similar eco-restoration projects will be implemented in the Ennore creek, Kovalam creek and Buckingham Canal, the Minister said.
DPRs and comprehensive master plans for the eco-restoration of the two creeks and a DPR for eco-restoration of the Buckinghan Canal from the Ennore Creek to Muttukadu backwaters is being prepared. The restoration work would include an increase in the water spread and tidal interaction area, removal of encroachments, plantation of native plants of tropical dry evergreen forests, mangroves, its associates and reeds and landscaping. Work on identification of encroachments on the creeks is expected to begin after completion of the study.
The eco-restoration plan for the Cooum covers the 32-km stretch from Paruthipattu check-dam to the river mouth.
