On World Wetlands Day, students explore Chennai’s urban wetlands

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) organised an immersive wetlands walk at the Tholkappia Poonga (Adyar Eco Park) on the occasion of World Wetlands Day on February 2. Nearly 50 people participated in the walk, including 27 students of Botany from Presidency College.  

Participants actively identified birds, insects, flowers, took part in quizzes and listened to experts explain the role of wetlands, and their importance for expanding and rapidly urbanising cities like Chennai.  

“Many of us don’t realise the importance of wetlands, or how Tamil Nadu used to be,” said Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF while addressing the participants during the walk. “If you look at ancient maps of the state, you will see waterways connected to each other—linked to tanks, rivers, and canals. During the Chola period, there was a strong understanding of how to manage water. There was hardly any flooding. Rainwater flowed through these interconnected channels, and at the same time recharged the groundwater”.  

The walk was designed with the intention of immersing the participants in the wetland environment to build true appreciation for it. The walk included multiple learning stops where experts including MSSRF’s wetlands director Dr Rupesh Bhomia, scientist Dr Utchimahali, head of GIS and remote sensing Dr Nagarajan talked about adaptations of plants, ecosystem services they provide such as recharging the ground water, improved biodiversity, storing carbon and more. The walk included demonstrations measuring salinity, quizzes, and a BINGO game that encouraged students to explore their surroundings.

“Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems. They act as sponges absorbing excess water and reducing incidences of flooding. With rapid urbanisation, Chennai has lost a lot of its wetland ecosystems. Conserving them is a huge priority,” said Dr Bhomia, as he led the walk.  

The Tholkappia Poonga like many wetlands, is home to a huge range of animals, birds, plants and insects. One participant shared that they spotted butterflies, lizards, flowers, cranes, pelicans, fruits on trees, bats and more.  

“This is great learning outside of classroom” said Dr Ravikumar, Professor of Botany, Presidency college.  

Continuing with the awareness programmes, MSSRF also announced a nationwide wetlands photo contest encouraging students from the walk, and photographers from India to share their images of these vital ecosystems.  

Tholkappia Poonga was once a dump yard. Today it boasts of well-planned pathways, multiple species of birds, insects and plants, and a beautiful recreation and educational space for all. “Everything is interconnected. The ecology, environment and people. We must try to understand these interrelationships to protect our ecosystems like the wetlands,” said Dr Swaminathan.