Field survey highlights wetland’s significance amid reservoir debate

A field survey documenting the breeding activity of 47 bird species in the Kovalam-Nemmeli Coastal Wetland Complex has brought renewed attention to the ecological significance of the area, even as the proposed Mamallan freshwater reservoir project remains under consideration before the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal.

The survey, carried out by the conservation collective Suzhal Arivom, found that the wetlands support breeding populations of a wide range of resident birds, indicating that the landscape serves as more than a seasonal stopover for migratory species.

The group recorded breeding evidence for 22 species in the open saltpans and mudflats around Nemmeli, while another 25 species were documented nesting in the wetland edges and mangrove patches near Kelambakkam.

Species observed breeding include the red-wattled lapwing, Kentish plover, black-winged stilt, grey francolin, oriental pratincole, red-necked falcon, and Indian pied starling.

Among the notable observations was the great thick-knee, listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List. The species has bred at Nemmeli for at least five consecutive years, making the site the only known breeding location for the bird in the Kelambakkam-Thiruporur-Thirukazhukundram landscape.

The conservation group surveyed about 35% of the accessible wetland and said the site’s breeding importance was not adequately reflected in the project’s Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment. It noted that the avifaunal survey for the assessment was conducted between July 2025 and November 2025, whereas the breeding season for many resident bird species falls between February and June.

The ecological findings come amid objections to the reservoir project from local fishing communities and environmental groups.