Work on Mamallan reservoir project has affected key habitat for migratory waterbirds: trust
The Palluyir Trust has raised concerns that the construction of the Mamallan reservoir in the Kovalam-Nemmeli backwaters is destroying a vital habitat for migratory waterbirds. Surveys indicate that the site hosts thousands of birds, including species protected under international conventions, which are being displaced by dredging and bunding activities.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the tension between infrastructure development projects and the preservation of critical biodiversity and migratory flyways.
Work on Mamallan reservoir project has affected key habitat for migratory waterbirds: trust left The Kovalam-Nemmeli wetland is an important stopover site for birds arriving along the Central Asian Flyway during the August-September migration season, according to Palluyir Trust. M. SRINATH https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/e6y1pc/article71540833.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/1559_19_1_2026_16_34_0_1_ECRSITE3.JPG SRINATH M CHENNAI: 19/01/2026:A view of the Site in Vada Nemmeli along ECR where Chief Minister M.K.Stalin laid foundation stone to create Mamallan reservoir on Monday.....Photro: SRINATH M/THE HINDU A survey of the Mamallan reservoir project area recorded around 3,500 waterbirds; 51 species, including 25 protected under the UN Convention on Migratory Species, were found, it says CHENNAI The ongoing dredging and bund work for the proposed Mamallan reservoir in the Kovalam-Nemmeli backwaters has affected a crucial habitat for migratory waterbirds, according to the Palluyir Trust for Nature Education and Research.
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