Field survey highlights importance of wetlands amid reservoir debate

The site in Nemmel where the construction of the Mamallan freshwater reservoir is proposed. | Photo credit: SRINATH M

A field survey documenting the breeding activity of 47 bird species in the Kovalam-Nemmeli Coastal Wetland Complex has brought renewed attention to the ecological importance of the area, even as the proposed Mamallan Freshwater Reservoir project remains under consideration before the South Bench of the National Green Tribunal.

The survey, conducted by the conservation collective Suzhal Arivom, found that the wetlands support breeding populations of a wide range of resident birds, suggesting that the landscape serves as more than a seasonal stopover for migratory species.

The group recorded evidence of 22 species breeding in open salt flats and mudflats around Nemmeli, while another 25 species were documented nesting on the edges of wetlands and mangrove areas near Kelambakkam.

Nesting species observed include Crested Lapwing, Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Gray Francolin, Oriental Pratincole, Red-necked Falcon and Indian Starling.

Notable sightings included the big fat, listed as “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List. The species has been breeding at Nemmeli for at least five consecutive years, making this the only known breeding site for the bird in the Kelambakkam-Thiruporur-Thirukazhukundram landscape.

The conservation group surveyed about 35% of the available wetland and said the site’s livestock importance was not sufficiently considered in the rapid assessment of the project’s environmental impact. He noted that the avifaunal survey for the assessment was conducted between July 2025 and November 2025, while the breeding season for many bird species falls between February and June.

The ecological findings come amid objections to the reservoir project from local fishing communities and environmental groups.

Published – 05 Jul 2026 0:24 IST