Reviving the ‘land of pearls’
M uthupet, famously known as the ‘land of Pearls’ and situated in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, is the only place in India where indigenous ‘canal fishing’ is practiced by traditional fishermen. The unique method provides livelihoods to local fishermen and keeps mangroves in good health. However, due to the increased human activities and natural disasters, the canals are covered in silt, disallowing the growth of mangroves in the landscape.
HCL Foundation, in partnership with DHAN Foundation, #HCLGrant Environment Category Finalist, 2021 is working in the region to facilitate the regeneration of mangroves and restore fishing creeks by removal of debris, fallen trees, and de-siltation of canals. With the support of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, efforts are ongoing to enable and empower the #fishermen community to undertake the renovation of canals.
