Chennai should be celebrated for biodiversity: Supriya Sahu

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Since Chennai lies on the Asian flyway for migratory birds, a large number of migratory birds make the city their home from the end of October up until March or April, said Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests.

”Apart from that, the city is also home to beautiful mangroves. Just on the outskirts, or even right within the heart of the city, in places like the Adyar Creek, you’ll find dense and thriving mangrove forests,” she said, adding “How many cities in India can boast of having about 60 hectares of mangroves in an area, like Ennore?”

She further said that the city, known for its food, its deep-rooted culture, and rich history, also makes space for extraordinary biodiversity. “I think we need to celebrate Chennai for the way it welcomes and supports that,” she added.

“There are very few places where I’ve seen people coexist with nature and wildlife the way they do here. It’s incredible that right in the heart of Chennai, you might see pelicans in the Adyar Creek. But I also believe we need to create more spaces like this. We must expand Chennai’s wildlife and nature footprint,” she said.

(As told to Geetha Srimathi)