Chennai residents urge restoration of Pallikaranai marsh for resilience

Residents of Chennai are calling for the restoration of the Pallikaranai marsh and removal of encroachments to enhance the city's climate resilience. This follows the Tamil Nadu Budget's proposal for seven sponge parks to combat extreme weather. Local leaders emphasize the need for climate resilience projects, especially in flood-prone areas. They report challenges in identifying suitable land for these initiatives, while some residents oppose plans for parks on reclaimed dump sites. Discussions on climate resilience have increased after the inauguration of Chennai's first wetland sponge park. Residents are urging authorities to comply with environmental orders and restore the marsh, which plays a crucial role in protecting the city from disasters.