Wetlands fighting strong to protect TN from climate change, finds study

The study, led by Dr S Kanmani, professor and head of the department of Civil Engineering and the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management, found that several wetlands continue to maintain healthy ecological conditions and play a vital role in flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration.

Researchers took extensive field surveys and laboratory analyses of estuaries, lagoons, inland wetlands and river mouths across Tamil Nadu. The assessment examined water and sediment quality, ecosystem health, biodiversity, greenhouse gas impacts and the ecological services provided by wetlands.

The findings showed Mullimunnai wetland, Vellervelli Eri, Sivagalai Periyakulam, Punnakayal, Palayakayal, Manakudy Estuary and Tirupanichettikulam wetland continue to exhibit stable water quality, balanced pH levels, and relatively low pollution, indicating strong ecological resilience.