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News: Environmentalists have demanded conservation of Perungulam Tank due to illegal lotus cultivation, highlighting its rich avian biodiversity and ecological significance.
About Perungulam Tank
- Perungulam Tank is a biodiversity-rich wetland and an important irrigation waterbody that supports rich bird biodiversity.
- Location: It is located in the Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu.
- Key Features:
- Large Irrigation Tank: The tank spreads across about 850 to 900 acres and serves as an important source of irrigation and domestic water in the region.
- Hydrological Significance: The tank is the last in a chain of irrigation tanks and receives water from the historic Thamirabarani River and both southwest and northeast monsoons.
- Rich Bird Habitat: The tank supports over 5,000 birds every year and provides an important feeding and roosting site for resident and migratory birds throughout the year.
- Unique natural landscape: The tank is bisected by the Ucham Parambu mound, which shelters various native trees and thorny bushes.
- Heritage significance: The tank has the over 1,000-year-old Sivaite Thiruvazhutheeswarar Temple and Vaishnavite Maya Koothar Perumal Temple near its northeast corner.
- Threats: Illegal lotus cultivation, high-tension power lines across the tank, and manmade structures have raised concerns for bird conservation and habitat protection.
- Status: It is currently being considered by environmentalists and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department for inclusion under the Ramsar Convention or as a Wetland Conservation Reserve.
