The famous Pulicat Lake is the second biggest `brackish water lagoon` in India .In Tamil , it is better known as Pazhaverkaadu, and is situated on the Coromandel Coast of south eastern parts of Indian continent. It is an ideal rearing ground for several bird species, especially endangered birds. Sixteen islands nicely enhance the topographical beauty. Almost thirty lakes are there adjacent to it.
Established almost 60 km north of
Chennai,
Tamil Nadu and
Andhra Pradesh states comprises of borders .The Pulicat Lake is being separated from the
Bay of Bengal by blockade of Sriharikota Island. Sriharikota is abode to the town of Pulicat.
The Pulicat Lake is 60 km long and varies from 0.2 to 17.5 km in breadth. The Pulicat Lake is narrow, and widely varies in area with the tides and cyclic rainfall, from `460 km in high water to 250 km in low water`.
The Pulicat Lake has a rich wealth for eco tourism .The shallow lake is known for its variety of marine birds. Also it is the favorite resting ground for migratory birds. Every year, there are fifteen thousand flamingos, which throng the lake including spoonbills, pelicans, kingfishers, herons, painted storks, and ducks. Huge sea turtles build their nests on the beautiful banks of the Pulicat Lake.
A popular story is that Dutch and the British moored their ships on the Karimanal Village, which is located just opposite to the `mouth` of the Pulicat lake. The famous Coromondal coasts got its name from there.
The Pulicat Town is situated near Pulicat Lake. According to the reliable sources, near Pulicat lake, there was a fort namely, Geldria at Pulicat, from where the people carried on trade with the
British East India Company. A legend is that few Muslim families of Arab countries came here from Mecca in one of the four boats, which they have used after getting expelled from their countries in thirteenth century. In 1606 A.D. when a Dutch ship arrived on the banks of Pulicat Lake, these Muslims provided them with food.
Under the initiative of concerned authorities, much of the Pulicat Lake is sheltered as a wildlife sanctuary. However, the proposal plans including petrochemical compound, power plants, and a satellite port on Ennore creek, have aroused concern about the ecological balances of the Pulicat Lake. For the protection of Pulicat Lake the concerned authorities are taking initiatives.
