Chennai: Considering the making of Samanatham tank a Ramsar website, can get better legitimate protection and management.

Chennai, October 12 (IANS). Samanatham Tank, located outside the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, may soon be recognized as an important landmark for environmental protection. The preparations are in the final stages by the state forest department to declare it international as a Ramsar site. Let us tell you that Ramsar website is a place that is important for wetland conservation at the global level. If Samanatham Tank gets this status, it will get strictly legal protection and better management. Samanatham Tank is considered an important site for biodiversity in the southern part of Tamil Nadu. Thousands of waterfowl come here during the winter season. These migratory birds choose the tank as their place of residence, making this area a special attraction for bird lovers and environmentalists. Senior forest department officials said the proposal would soon be sent to the state’s wetland authority for review. After the state and the central government have received the approval of the state and the central government, it will be declared a Ramsar site. However, the pollution and lack of green around Samanatham Tank have remained a matter of concern over the past few years. In 2018, the indigenous karvellam trees were cut down here, reducing the nests for birds. Environmentalists believe that if local plants and trees are replanted around this reservoir, it will increase the number of birds and also improve the natural balance of the tank. Local people also become aware of this and they demand that the government take steps in this direction. Local people have expressed a major concern, including dirty water flowing directly into the tank, which poses a threat to aquatic life and a bird habitat in the reservoir. Local residents called on the forest division and the officials concerned to stop this pollution and take the necessary steps to supply clean water to the tank. The forest division says that the proposal to create a Ramsar site includes many schemes, such as cleaning tanks, pollution control and bird monitoring. Once recognized internationally, there will be better financing and technical support for the conservation of this area. It will provide permanent protection to the biodiversity of Samanatham Tank and it will also remain a safe haven for birds in the future. Samanatham tank is part of the Vaigai River Basin, and the area is home to many bird species, especially during the north-eastern monsoon. Waterfowls such as ducks, cranes and storks come here in large numbers. Environmental organizations also associate the site with important protected areas in Tamil Nadu, such as Point Calterer and the Palikaranai Wetlands. He believes that strong steps through the status of the Ramsar site can be done after the protection and preservation of Samanatham tank. -—IANS PK/AS