Pulicat Lake threatened
setting up of the Ennore Satellite Port, North Chennai Thermal Plant and the proposed petrochemical complex will severely affect the ecology and wildlife of the Pulicat Lake and the neighbouring Ennore Creek in Chennai. Famous for its mudflats that provide spawning ground for migratory birds, the 461 square kilometre lake provide livelihood to over one lakh people.
A study conducted by an expert committee appointed by the Coastal Action Network has revealed thatthe lake might be washed away by sea due to erosion caused by the construction of the port in the neighbourhood and flyash deposits by the thermal plant.
The lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow strip of sand which would be eaten away by the sea with the construction of the port and other industrial activities. Moreover, committee members alleged that most of these commercial activities were being carried out in violation of the statutes laid down by the Coastal Regulation Zone ( crz ).