Wetlands as wealth, not waste: How TN, Puducherry are fighting for Ramsar tag

“Munna Nagarathukula Nathikal Odala, Nathikal Suthi Thaan Nagaram Valandhuchu

Mazha Thanniya Kaaththirundha Yaeriku Poromboke’nu Peyar Irundhuchu”

This Tamil song ‘Poromboke’ by classical singer TM Krishna, released as part of the ‘Save Ennore Creek Campaign’ in 2017, was to create an awareness about the wetlands in north Chennai.

The line literally translates to: “In ancient times, there were no rivers running within the city, but the cities developed on the banks of rivers. Then, the lakes which saved the rainwater was called as ‘poromboke’.”