Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Pallikaranai Marsh Designated Ramsar Site, Under New Conservation Rules
Imagine a big, wet area of land called the Pallikaranai Marsh.
It's like a giant sponge for rain in Chennai, helping to prevent floods.
It also keeps the air cleaner by storing carbon, like a tree, and is a home for many different kinds of birds.
Recently, this special marsh was recognized by an international agreement called the Ramsar Convention, which helps protect wetlands around the world.
This means it now has special rules to keep it safe and healthy, thanks to a law in India that protects the environment.
These rules were made in 2017 and are now in charge of looking after the Pallikaranai Marsh because it became a Ramsar site in 2022.
The Pallikaranai Marsh is a vital ecological area for Chennai, serving as a flood catchment, carbon sink, and bird habitat.
India's commitment to the Ramsar Convention mandates wetland conservation.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, govern wetland protection in India.
Pallikaranai Marsh was officially designated as a Ramsar site in 2022.
These rules are enforced under the broader Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Who
- The Union Government
- What
- Notified the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, governing the Pallikaranai Marsh after its designation as a Ramsar site
- When
- Pallikaranai Marsh was designated a Ramsar site in 2022
- Where
- Pallikaranai Marsh, Chennai
- Why
- India's accession to the Ramsar Convention created a binding international obligation for wetland conservation.
- Wetland Name
- Pallikaranai Marsh
- Designation
- Ramsar Site
- Ramsar Site Year
- 2022
- Governing Legislation
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
- Parent Act
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986