A new study from Anna University's Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management finds that wetlands across Tamil Nadu are among the state's strongest natural defenses against climate change. The research shows these ecosystems help with flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and carbon sequestration. A single hectare of wetland can store about 12 million liters of floodwater. The university plans to issue Wetland Health Cards for 65 wetlands to support long term monitoring and conservation. The study identified several wetlands with stable water quality and ecological resilience, including Mullimunnai, Vellervelli Eri, and Manakudy Estuary. However, it also found stress in Odiyur Backwater Wetland and Adyar Creek due to untreated sewage and urban pollution. The report links wetland loss to the severity of the 2015 Chennai floods and rising urban temperatures. Researchers recommend integrating wetlands into city master plans as critical infrastructure, alongside green corridors and other nature based solutions.
