THE NATURAL HERITAGE OF PONDICHERRY BIO REGION

Pondicherry Beach Lakes Ashram gardens and farms

Tengaithittu Auroville

Arikamedu

Kaliveli Bio region

The Beach : An essential part of the ecosystem

Protects us from cyclones and tsunamis Prevents ground water from becoming saline Supports livelihood of fishermen Provides a natural recreational space Wildlife habitat ( sea turtles) Part of our heritage- Used during festivals ( Masimagam , Vinayaka Chaturthi)

THE

PONDICHERRY

BEACH

IMPACTS OF COASTAL EROSION

Destruction and loss of property

Destruction and loss of natural habitats and wildlife Increased water salinity and scarcity

THE

PONDICHERRY

BEACH

IMPACTS OF COASTAL EROSION Loss of livelihoods for fishermen Degradation of fertile agricultural land as seen in Tengaithittu lagoon area Exposes the coastline to cyclones

THE PONDICHERRY BEACH

To counteract the coastal erosion: Rocks are dumped along the coast Construction of groins and sea walls
This does not solve the problem but
Increases and transfers erosion down the coast. Work has to continue forever as rocks keep sinking Requires huge sums of public money Does not protect from big waves

Mountains have to be destroyed

Natural habitats for wildlife are destroyed Coastline is transformed and degraded.

THE

PONDICHERRY

BEACH

The disruption of the littoral drift is likely to be one of the greatest challenges for coastal protection and restoration . Unless the disrupted littoral drift is restored, future developments will result in greater damage to the coast.

THE

PONDICHERRY

BEACH

Ousteri Lake

The Pondicherry region has over 80 water bodies

Important water bodies in Pondicherry WATER BODIES OF PONDICHERRY

Bahour Lake

Threats to water bodies in Pondicherry

Illegal sanding mining close to Ousteri

WATER BODIES OF PONDICHERRY

Aerial view of Ousteri Lake Sand mining

Illegal garbage dumped and burned in craters created by soil mining March 2008

WATER BODIES OF PONDICHERRY

Intensification of urban development around Ousteri

WATER BODIES OF PONDICHERRY

Insensitive tourism policies

Ousteri & Bahour Lakes are Important Bird Areas

Motorized boats disturb the birds and pollute the water.
WATER BODIES OF PONDICHERRY

TENGAITHITTU

Intrusion of salt water and extreme salinisation of the groundwater: Repercussions of the New harbor construction

Pollution of the surface and groundwater caused by illegal disposal of untreated municipal sewage into the Tengaithittu lagoon:

Ariankuppam river

Site of Roman ruins

Arikamedu is the earliest known settlement dating perhaps from the 2nd century BC by people whose pottery relates to the Iron-age (megalithic) cultures of south India. The area extends along the banks of the River Ariyankuppam which was believed to be a navigable river during the 17th / 18th century and this led to Arikamedu becoming a major market town with maritime contacts between ancient India and Rome Excavations reveal that the Inhabitants used to import goods (primarily from Mediterranean basin) such as Amphora wines, Olive oil, ceramic lights, Sigillata sherds etc. Clothes and spices were exported from this port.

ARIKAMEDU : ROMAN RUINS

Alamparai
Yedayanthittu Estuary Salt pans

KALIVELI BIO REGION

Cazanove

Irumbai

Gloria Le Faucher Lake Estate

Maret Garden

Lake Estate

ASHRAM GARDENS AND FARMS

Merveil

Top

Reziere

Top

Vanur

Merveil

ASHRAM GARDENS AND FARMS

Vanur

Auroville today
Before ..The Greening of Auroville

AUROVILLE

Botanical gardens at Auroville

AUROVILLE

Canyon erosion control by building check dams for water percolation.

TOWARDS A NEW DAWN..

Ultimately NATURE is the best conservator. She quickly forgives and heals all she seeks is an understanding.
Acknowledgements PondyCAN Shuddham

Shilpataru