'World Wetlands Day' is observed on 2nd February all over the world. This day is observed to create the importance of wetlands in our eco system and the indispensable role of wetlands in reducing the impact of extreme weather conditions such as flood and droughts.
Tamil Nadu Forest Department along with Nature Conservation Society (NCS) and Environment Conservation Group (ECG) too observed this day by spreading awareness on the need to conserve our wetlands. About 100 students of Chandra Matriculation Higher Secondary School and PSGR Krishnammal Higher Secondary School participated in this event.
S. Ramasubramanian, District Forest Officer, Coimbatore Division, educated the students on the importance and the need to conserve the wetlands, and how wetlands affect the sub surface water table. He also threw light on the on how the polluted water from our wetlands will find a way to our home through ground water. The DFO also requested the students to spread the message on the need for conservation of wetlands as it plays a very crucial role in balancing the eco-system. .
N.I. Jalaluddin, President, Nature Conservation Society (NCS), emphasised to the students on the importance of conserving the wetlands and briefed on how green NGOs and public of this city are actively contributing towards conserving the wetlands. “The water in the lakes is contaminated due to inflow of untreated sewage water into it, which must be stopped at the earliest.” Jalaluddin said.
Mohammed Saleem, President, Environment Conservation Group (ECG) explained to the students that wetlands are the most biologically rich ecosystems on the planet and many fish, plants, birds and other organisms are dependent on the wetlands. Saleem told the students that 'Coimbatore has a rich biodiversity of wetland and associated birds. The wetlands of Coimbatore are the feeding ground for diverse species of birds from as far as Tundra, Russia, central Asia and Europe during this season. Gull, Osprey, Bar-headed goose and Red knot are some of the rare birds that have visited the wetlands in Coimbatore' Saleem said.