In a bid to protect the Pallikaranai marshland, one of the important wetlands on the Indian Ramsar list, a cross-section of residents along the IT Corridor has opposed the integrated waste management projects proposed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) in Perungudi. The civic body has planned to develop a pilot project of an integrated solid waste management facility in an eight acre area of the Perungudi dumpyard in three months.
Federation of Thoraipakkam Residents’ Welfare Associations president A. Francis said the residents have opposed the move to set up the pilot project as it will affect the marshland, which is an important wetland of international importance. “We opposed the project for setting up an eco park in 93 acres after biomining of the legacy waste. We wanted the marshland to be restored to the original condition after biomining. Once the Pallikaranai marshland is restored after GCC stops dumping, flood risk for the entire city will reduce. If the GCC goes ahead with the project, the flood risk will increase. Residents will start a campaign shortly, according to the wetland pledge popularised by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, reminding citizens about their fundamental duties towards wetlands,” he said.
