From To

Thiru. G. Ajay Anand M.F. Sc., The Director, (Infra-2), Assistant Director of Fisheries Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Tiruvallur@ Ponneri Change,

India Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi-110003.

Date: 03/02/2021 Dear Sir, Subject: Submission of Additional Information Sought for the proposed “Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth” at Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District -Environmental Clearance-Reg Reference: 1. ToR vide F.No.10-39/2019-IA-III, dated: 16th October 2019 issued by MoEF&CC. 2. Proposal No IA/TN/NCP/186694/2019; File No 10- 39/2019-IA.III 3. Minutes of the 249th meeting of Expert Appraisal Committee held on 14th December 2020 Adverting to the reference 3rd cited, we submit the Additional Information Sought pertaining to the above project mentioned in the subject for your kind perusal.

S.No Query Reply 1. Form-1 for project attracting CRZ Notification, 2011 as per Annexure-IV in Form-1 for project attracting CRZ Notification, the said notification is not available, 2011 as per Annexure-IV is enclosed as which is one of the statutory documents Annexure I as per the CRZ regulations. 2. It was also observed that the proposed As a wetland ecosystem the Pulicat lake area project may affect the migratory bird, is important for the breeding and roosting birds since Pulicat Bird Sanctuary is located and several other fauna and flora. within 10 km of the project site. Therefore, report of the study already It is important for the development authorities conducted by Salim Ali Institute of to note that any construction activity must Ornithology may be submitted. commence and complete before the bird migratory season.

M/s. Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology (SACON) has conducted study for assessing the Impact of dredging and opening of the sea mouth into the Pulicat lake at Rayadoruvu village of Vakadu Mandal on the habitat of Pulicat Bird Sanctuary at Andhra Pradesh and Proposed High Level Bridge across Pulicat Lake at Tamil Nadu with Special Focus on Birds, which is very near to the location of site for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth. So the study by SACON towards migratory bird for the S.No Query Reply Bridge work is enclosed herewith for reference.

Necessary mitigation measures must be undertaken to reduce indirect impact on the Pulicat Bar mouth at various phases of development to the surrounding wetland habitat, woody vegetative cover and the overall ecology of the site. The indirect impact may be due to the release of contaminated, polluted or untreated water, debris, or other materials from the construction phase.

Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology enclosed as Annexure II 3. Data on fishery as to how much As per the marine fish production data from the reduction in fishery has been observed in Fishing Department, fish production capacity past years may be submitted was 12025 during the period 2004-2005, which was reduced to 9498 in 2018-2019. Detailed fishery data is enclosed as Annexure III.

Ramanibai Ravichandran, Department of Zoology University of Madras, study which was carried out from September 2013 to August 2015 clearly indicates that fish samples collected were of 83 different fish species, 14 orders and 50 families. In which the major dominant order of the collections were observed as Perciformes which is nearly 44 species out of 83.

However, according to the recent survey, the above mentioned fish species in the pulicat lake region are currently moving towards an extinction and they are recently specified as an endangered species in the vicinity.

Therefore a serious conservation action/step is to be taken in view of preventing the loss of biodiversity. By opening of Bar mouth the species growth will be enhanced by the flow of Sea water in to the Pulicat Lake. 4. Since the proposal is related to making a Secondary data collected from the previous permanent opening at the bar mouth study highlights, the important trends in annual data on salinity of the lake is also and seasonal differences in mean salinities important, therefore available data on variations (in the range of 21 −36 ppt) as salinity of the lake over the past 10-20 observed in the period 1996–2015.The Study years shall be submitted report by M/s. Harini Santhanam & S Amal Raj (2019), Spatial and temporal analyses of salinity changes in Pulicat lagoon, a

Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth At Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District.

FORM 1 (I) Basic Information: S.No. Item Details 1 Name of the project Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth at Pulicat Village, Ponneri Taluk and Thiruvallur District 2 S. No. in the schedule 7 (e) 3. Proposed The length of North training wall is 160m capacity/area/length/tonnage to and South training wall is 150m and be depth 4.5m. handled/command area/lease Total plot area-32501 Sq.m area/number of Wells to be drilled. 4. New/Expansion/Modernization New 5. Existing Capacity Area etc. Nil 6. Category of Project i.e.' A' or 'B' A 7. Does it attract the general The project site located ECO –Sensitive condition? If yes, Area Please specify.

8. Does it attract the specific No condition? If 'yes, Please specify. 9. Location Site Latitude Site Longitude North training wall North training 13°27'55.6"N wall 80°18'58.8"E South training wall South training 13°27'49 "N wall 80°19'5"E North training wall North training end 13°27'58"N wall end South training wall 80°19'4"E end 13°27'52"N South training wall end 80°19'7"E Plot/Survey/Khasra No. -- Village Tehsil Pulicat District Ponneri State Thiruvallur 10. Nearest railway station/airport Ponneri railway station- 19.0 Km (SW) along with Distance in Kms. Pulicat bus stop -5.0 Km (SSW)

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Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth At Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District.

11. Nearest Town, city, District Ponneri -19 km Headquarters Along with distance in Kms. 12. Village Panchayats, Zilla Pulicat Panchayats Parishad, Municipal Corporation, Local body (complete postal Address with telephone nos. to be given) 13. Name of the applicant Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Fisheries. 14. Registered Address Executive Engineer, Fishing Harbor Project Division,, II floor, Nandanam, Chennai-600035. Tele: 044 – 24330068 Fax: 044 – 24331708 15. Address for correspondence: Name Mr.Chinna Kuppan Designation Assistant Director (Owner/Partner/CEO) Address Fisheries Department, SH-56, Thiruvathiyur Ponneri Road, Ponneri Taluk Thiruvallur District , Pin Code 601204 E-mail E. mail: [email protected] Telephone No. 9443541226 Fax No. 16. Details of Alternative Sites No alternative sites were examined. examined, if any. Location of Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT these sites should be shown on a Madras to visit and identify coastal topo sheet. stretches of Pulicat Lake and suggest suitable location for estuary mouth training works to stabilize the mouth opening. In order to support fisherman livelihood of Pulicat and nearby village, the Fisheries Department, Government of Tamilnadu intends to Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth at Pulicat which will give access to fishermen in all seasons of the year. 17. Interlinked Projects No

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Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth At Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District.

18. Whether separate application of No interlinked Project has been submitted? 19. If yes, date of submission No 20. If no, reason No 21. Whether the proposal involves Yes approval / clearance under: if yes, This proposal require CRZ clearance Details of the same And their status to be given. under CRZ 2011 notification. (a) The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980? (b) The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (c) The C.R.Z. Notification, 1991? 22. Whether there is any Government Order (G.O (D) No 70) Government Order/ Policy Enclosed in Annexure I. relevant/ relating to the site? 23. Forest land involved (hectares) No 24. Whether there is any litigation None pending against the project and /or land in which The project is propose to be set up? (a) Name of the Court (b) Case No. (c) Orders/directions of the Court, if any and its Relevance with the proposed project.

(II) Activity 1. Construction, operation or decommissioning of the Project involving actions, Which will cause physical changes in the locality (topography, land use, changes in water bodies, etc.) S.No Information/Checklist confirmation Yes/ Details thereof (with No approximate quantities /rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 1.1 Permanent or temporary change in Yes Construction of two training land use, land cover or topography walls to provide Permanent including increase in intensity of Stability of Bar mouth As such, land use (with respect to local land there will temporary change in use plan) land use.

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Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth At Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District.

1.2 Clearance of existing land, vegetation No Not required and buildings? 1.3 Creation of new land uses? No Not required 1.4 Pre-construction investigations e.g. Yes Topographical and bore houses, soil testing? mathematical survey has been carried out and DPR was prepared by IITM. 1.5 Construction works? Yes Construction of Permanent Stability of Bar mouth will be undertaken. North training wall 160m and south training wall 150m 1.6 Demolition works? No Not required 1.7 Temporary sites used for construction Yes A small area will be utilized works or housing of construction temporarily for construction of workers? sheds for the workers and

storage of materials. Water

supply and sanitation facilities will be provided for them. 1.8 Above ground buildings, structures or Yes Excavation works will be earthworks including linear carried out for Permanent structures, cut and fill or excavations Stability of Bar mouth. 1.9 Underground works including mining No Mining & tunnelling not or tunneling? proposed. 1.10 Reclamation works? No Not required 1.11 Dredging? Yes Dredging will be carried out in between of North and South training wall. 1.12 Offshore structures? No Not applicable 1.13 Production and manufacturing No The proposed project is for processes? establishing 1.14 Facilities for storage of goods or No Not required materials? 1.15 Facilities for treatment or disposal of No Not required solid waste or liquid effluents? 1.16 Facilities for long term housing of No Not required operational workers? 1.17 New road, rail or sea traffic during No Temporary road only proposed construction or operation? for conveying the construction material to project site. 1.18 New road, rail, air waterborne or No Temporary road is proposed to other transport infrastructure a length of 5.00Km and a including new or altered routes and width of 4.50m for conveying

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Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth At Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District.

stations, ports, airports etc? the construction matreials.

1.19 Closure or diversion of existing No The construction of training transport routes or infrastructure wall will be in sea, there is no leading to changes in traffic need for closure or diversion of movements? existing transport routes. 1.20 New or diverted transmission lines or No Not Applicable. pipelines? 1.21 Impoundment, damming, culverting, No There will be no realignment or other changes to the Impoundment, damming, Hydrology of watercourses or culverting, realignment or aquifers? other changes to the hydrology of watercourses or aquifers. 1.22 Stream crossings? No No any crossing of stream and river. 1.23 Abstraction or transfers of water form No No Ground water shall be ground or surface waters? abstracted. 1.24 Changes in water bodies or the land No Not Applicable. surface affecting drainage or run-off? 1.25 Transport of personnel or materials Yes Transportation of personnel or for construction, operation or construction materials during decommissioning? construction phase will be through Temporary roads only. 1.26 Long-term dismantling or No Not Applicable decommissioning or restoration works? 1.27 Ongoing activity during No Not Applicable decommissioning which could have an impact on the environment? 1.28 Influx of people to an area in either Yes During construction period temporarily or permanently? workers will be deployed locally. 1.29 Introduction of alien species? No No such alien species are envisaged. 1.30 Loss of native species or genetic No No loss of native species will diversity? occur as the site is plain barren land. 1.31 Any other actions? No No other actions

2. Use of Natural resources for construction or operation of the Project (such as land, water, materials or energy, especially any resources which are non-renewable or in short supply):

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Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth At Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District.

S.No. Details thereof (with Information/checklist confirmation Yes/ approximate quantities /rates, No wherever possible) with source of information data

2.1 Land especially undeveloped or No There is no agricultural land. agricultural land (ha) 2.2 Water (expected source & competing No There is no abstraction of users) unit: KLD ground water. 2.3 Minerals (MT) No Since the proposed project is the construction of Permanent Stability of Bar mouth will be no usage of minerals. 2.4 Construction material – stone, Yes Stone= 127900 MT aggregates, sand / soil (expected source – MT) 2.5 Forests and timber (source – MT) No There will be no usage of timber. 2.6 Energy including electricity and No There will be no usage Energy fuels (source, competing users) Unit: including electricity and fuels fuel (MT), energy (MW) 2.7 Any other natural resources (use No There is no necessity for other appropriate standard units) natural resources.

3. Use, storage, transport, handling or production of substances or materials, Which could be harmful to human health or the environment or raise concerns about actual or perceived risks to human health.

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Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth At Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District.

S.No. Information/Checklist confirmation Yes/ Details thereof (with approximate No quantities /rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 3.1 Use of substances or materials, which No No such materials will be required are hazardous (as per MSIHC rules) to human health or the environment (flora, fauna, and water supplies) 3.2 Changes in occurrence of disease or No There will not be any occurrence of affect disease vectors (e.g. insect or diseases as our activities are water borne diseases) confined to construction areas only 3.3 Affect the welfare of people e.g. by No Training walls will be constructed changing living conditions? to stabilize bar mouth.

3.4 Vulnerable groups of people who No There is no vulnerable group of could be affected by the project e.g. people who could be affected by the hospital patients, children, the elderly project. etc., 3.5 Any other causes No This proposed project will be beneficial to the local community as this project is meant for Construction of new Permanent Stability of Bar mouth.

4. Production of solid wastes during construction or operation or Decommissioning (MT/month) S.No Information/Checklist confirmation Yes/ Details thereof (with approximate No quantities /rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 4.1 Spoil, overburden or mine wastes No No Spoil, overburden or mine wastes.

4.2 Municipal waste (domestic and or yes The construction phase only commercial wastes) municipal waste will be generated. It is stored separate bin and hand over to local municipality. 4.3 Hazardous wastes (as per Hazardous No Not applicable Waste Management Rules) 4.4 Other industrial process wastes No Not applicable

4.5 Surplus product No Not applicable

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Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth At Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District.

4.6 Sewage sludge or other sludge from No Not applicable effluent treatment 4.7 Construction or demolition wastes No There will not be any sludge generation. 4.8 Redundant machinery or equipment Yes There will not be generated any construction waste. 4.9 Contaminated soils or other materials Yes Most of the transport vehicle during construction phase will be hired. 4.10 Agricultural wastes No There is no source for contamination of soils or other materials. 4.11 Other solid wastes Yes Construction debris will be generated, after completion of work debris will be removed from project site.

5. Release of pollutants or any hazardous, toxic or noxious substances to air (Kg/hr) S.No Information/Checklist confirmation Yes/ Details thereof (with approximate No quantities /rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 5.1 Emissions from combustion of fossil No Not applicable fuels from stationary or mobile sources 5.2 Emissions from production processes No Not applicable 5.3 Emissions from materials handling Yes Emissions like dust will arise during including storage or transport construction phase of the transportation of materials and the dust will be controlled by slow movement of vehicles, covering the materials properly and by regular water spraying. 5.4 Emissions from construction activities No Construction and excavating works including plant and equipment will be carried out with well- maintained equipments. 5.5 Dust or odours from handling of No No dust and odour from the project materials including construction site. materials, sewage and waste 5.6 Emissions from incineration of waste No There will be no incineration activities. 5.7 Emissions from burning of waste in No No such activities will be carried open air (e.g. slash materials, out. construction debris)

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Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth At Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District.

5.8 Emissions from any other sources No No emissions from any other sources.

6. Generation of Noise and Vibration, and Emissions of Light and Heat: Yes/ Details thereof (with approximate No quantities /rates, wherever possible) with source of information data with S.No Information/Checklist confirmation source of information data . 6.1 From operation of equipment e.g. No Not Applicable engines, ventilation plant, crushers 6.2 From industrial or similar processes No Not Applicable 6.3 From construction or demolition Yes Noise levels in the range of 75-85 dB (A) will be generated occasionally during the construction activities. Workers in the noisy areas will be provided with earmuffs and earplugs. Equipments would have minimum noise levels meeting CPCB requirement. 6.4 From blasting or piling No Not applicable 6.5 From construction or operational Yes During construction phase traffic construction materials will be transported by vehicles, 6.6 From lighting or cooling systems No Not Applicable 6.7 From any other sources No Not Applicable

7. Risks of contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants into the ground or into sewers, surface waters, groundwater, coastal waters or the sea: S.No Information/Checklist confirmation Yes/ Details thereof (with approximate . No quantities /rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 7.1 From handling, storage, use or No There will be no handling or spillage of spillage of hazardous materials hazardous materials. 7.2 From discharge of sewage or other No No discharge of sewage and other effluents to water or the land effluent. (expected mode and place of discharge) 7.3 By deposition of pollutants emitted No Not Applicable to air into the land or into water 7.4 From any other sources No No other polluting sources exist. 7.5 Is there a risk of long term buildup No There will not be any long term built

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Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth At Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District.

of pollutants in the environment up of pollutants in the environment from these Sources? from these sources. 8. Risk of accidents during construction or operation of the Project, which could affect human health or the environment S.No Information/Checklist confirmation Yes/ Details thereof (with approximate No quantities /rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 8.1 From explosions, spillages, fires etc No No hazardous substances and firing from storage, handling, use or materials will be required either production of hazardous substances during construction or operation

phase 8.2 From any other causes No No risks from any other sources. 8.3 Could the project be affected by No The site is falls under Zone-III natural (Moderate) according to the Indian disasters causing environmental Standard Seismic Zoning Map. The damage structure was designed for (e.g. floods, earthquakes, landslides, earthquake resistant. Cloudburst etc)?

9. Factors which should be considered (such as consequential development) which could lead to environmental effects or the potential for cumulative impacts with other existing or planned activities in the locality S. Information/Checklist confirmation Yes/ Details thereof (with approximate No. No quantities /rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 9.1 Lead to development of supporting No No any development. facilities, ancillary development or development stimulated by the project which could have impact on the environment e.g.: •Supporting infrastructure (roads, power supply, waste or waste water treatment, Etc.) • housing development • extractive industries • supply industries • other 9.2 Lead to after-use of the site, which No No impact will be seen due to the could have an impact on the proposed activity environment 9.3 Set a precedent for later No No any future development. developments

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Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth At Pulicat village, Ponneri Taluk, of Thiruvallur District.

9.4 Have cumulative effects due to No Does not arise proximity to other existing or planned projects with similar effects

(III) Environmental Sensitivity S.No Areas Name/ Aerial distance (within Identity 15 km.) Proposed project location boundary 1 Areas protected under international Nil Within 15 Km radius conventions, national or local legislation for their ecological, landscape, cultural or other related value 2 Areas which are important or Yes The project area is sensitive for ecological reasons - falling within CRZ-I & Wetlands, watercourses or other IV. water bodies, coastal zone, biospheres, mountains, forests 3 Areas used by protected, important or No Project site is not sensitive species of flora or fauna for protected or sensitive breeding, nesting, foraging, resting, area. over wintering, migration 4 Inland, coastal, marine or Yes The project area is CRZ- underground waters I & IV.. 5 State, National boundaries Yes Andre Pradesh state is located 6km from the project site. 6 Routes or facilities used by the public SH-104 Ponneri 5.0 km – SW for access to recreation or other tourist, –Pulicat Road pilgrim areas 7 Defense installations NIL Nil within 15 km radius

8 Densely populated or built-up area Jameelabed • 4.2 Km – SW Pulicat • 5.0 Km – SW Gunangkuppam • 4.2 Km - S 9 Areas occupied by sensitive man-made No Not Applicable land uses (hospitals, schools, places of worship, community facilities) 10 Areas containing important, high No Not Applicable quality or scarce resources (ground water resources, surface resources, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, minerals)

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Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

Background of the Project

Recently, it has been found that the Pulicat lake mouth gets silted and reduced in width and depth, as it shifts its position, simultaneously from south to north. The bar-mouth remained closed previously during 1973-1995. Bar mouth closure occurs when there are increased monsoonal floods. Presently there are three bar- mouth openings noticed with a narrow opening channel of 30 to 80m width. Maximum depth near the bar-mouth opening is 1.7m with an average current velocity of 0.5 ms.

Due to net northerly littoral drift the formation of sand bars as well as spits and its migration as well as modification is a common phenomenon along the east coast of India. In response to the changes in sediment transport rates and prevailing weather conditions, the location of the entrance to the lake often migrates, sometime also closes the entrance. This phenomena leads to an adverse effect of hampering the smooth movement of vessels, as the depth of the channel is reduced.

The Department of Fisheries, Government of Tamil Nadu requested Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras to visit and identify coastal stretches of Pulicat Lake and suggest suitable location for estuary mouth training works to stabilize the mouth opening. A stakeholder meeting was also held to understand the requirements of fishermen community.

In order to support fisherman livelihood of pulicat and nearby village, the Fisheries Department, Government of Tamil Nadu intends to Construction of Training Walls for Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth at pulicat which will give access to fishermen in all seasons of the year. Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary

The proposed area is located on the mouth of Pulicat Lake. The Pulicat Lake is designated as an ‘Important Bird Area (IBA)’ by the Bombay Natural History Society and Birdlife International (Islam & Rahmani 2004) and ‘Ramsar site’ by Wetland International (Kannan et al., 2008) as it annually witnesses flocks of migratory birds and an ecologically rich wetland. The Pulicat Lake is placed under category I of Coastal Regulatory Zone, notified by the Government of lndia. Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology Pulicat lake has composed of rich beds of Seaweeds, and Seagrass, Avi fauna, Marine fauna and Fisheries. Muddy substratum was dominated with polychaetes and other benthic organisms Pulicat lake provides nursery and breeding grounds for many species of marine fauna and supports commercial fishing with major fish landing centres at Pulicat and Arambakkam. The flora and fauna of the lake ecosystem are changing both quantitatively and qualitatively, mainly due to the natural process, especially reduction in depth and changes in the water spread area. All the resources from avifauna to marine living resources whether directly or indirectly depend upon the benthic resources in the Pulicat lake ecosystem.

Principal categories of fauna which inter-alia include Prawns, Lobsters, Crabs, Zoo planktons, Coelenterates, Annelids, Molluscs and Echinoderms among Invertebrates; Sable fish, Sargin Fish, White, Black and Silver Promphets among Fish (168 species offish are recorded in Pulicat lake). Monitor lizard, Calotes, Cobra, Russel Viper and Krait among Reptiles; Wild Boar, Jungle Cat and Jackal among mammals and among Aves: the Principal, bird species that visit Pulicat Lake is Greater Flamingo (About 30,000 Flamingoes visit Pulicat every year) and such other feeding migrants as Pelicans, Painted Storks, Open billed Storks, Grey herons, Cormorants, White Ibises, Spoonbills, Egrets, Reef Herons, Spot billed Ducks, Northern Shovellers, Northern Pintails, SanD

Pipers, Gulls and River terns.

The 10Km radius land area can be generally divided into two distinct zones as eastern/northeastern and western/southern zones. The coastal eastern/northeastern zone largely comprises of coastal creek waters, backwaters, sandy islands/mounds and sandy coastal beaches. The western/southern zones in general comprise of salt affected land, agricultural areas and open forest areas. Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

Pulicat Lake Birds Sanctuary 10Km radius Map

Elaborate on Study Site

The following villages occur within the 5 km radius of the proposed Construction of Training Walls site; Gunan Kuppam, Thirumalai Nagar, Sembasipalli Kuppam, Light House Nadu Kuppam, Arangam Kuppam, Vairavan Kuppam, Korai Kuppam, Pasiyavaram, Siru Pazhaverkadu, Sattan Kuppam, Madha Nadu Kuppam, Kottai Kuppam, Andi Kuppam, Thony Revu, Light house Kuppam, Edamani, Kulathu Medu, Andar madam and Thangal Perunkulam villages which are closer to the proposed site have mudflats and shallow water which attracts Plovers, Sandpipers and Painted Storks.

During low tide, the water depth is about 5-8 m. During high tide the water level rises to 15-20 m. During monsoon the water depth level further rises above 25 m. The “Padu system” of fishing is followed in 9 villages on a rotational basis. The intensive study site has farmlands where people cultivate watermelon, paddy and groundnut.

While some fishermen use motor boats for fishing, others follow hand-picking and use nets. Kulathumedu area has bare dirt land and several prawn pond farms which draws water from the Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology Arani River for culturing prawns. Jameelabad village has dense vegetation of Prosopsis juliflora. Kanavanthurai, Pakkam and Annamalaicheri have mudflats and shallow water. These fishermen also use Catamaran for fishing while hand-picking method is used to capture small fish, prawns and crabs. The Scylla serrata is the dominant crab in these villages.

Dominant fish species are Mullets, Blow fish, Cat fish, Milk fish and Fin fish. The Gunan Kuppam, Thirumalai Nagar, Light house Kuppam, Arangam Kuppam, Vairavan Kuppam, Korai Kuppam villages have beaches. The estuary areas are located nearby Sriharikotta island however, the estuary opening has become narrower and now degraded and covered by sandy shore.

Fishing at Gunan Kuppam High Level Bridge at Pulicat Lake

Arani River Wet land at Pulicat estuary

View of Sriharikota from Pulicat estuary Fishing dock near Andi Kuppam Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

Mangroves near Pulicat estuary

Landscape of Pulicat estuary Sandflats near barmouth

Mudflats and Sandflats near barmouth

Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology STUDY THE EFFECTS OF OPENING OF SEA MOUTH ON THE ECOSYSTEM OF PULICAT LAKE AND RECOMMEND MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE LAKE

Materials & Methods

Using Google earth historic imagery from 1996 to 2020 various features of the inlet were measured using straight line distance tool in Google earth. The initial point of the measurement was taken based on the opening in the past to measure width of the inlet mouth and width of the sand bar. The width of the dredged area was measured on the year when the opening occurred either naturally or through man-made interventions. For these measurements we have considered only the month of December as this period coincides with the peak arrival of several migratory birds. In the present study, the width of the inlet opening in the year 2002 was taken as reference, and measured the width of the sea mouth for succeeding years with respect to it. For future analysis we will also relate the total count of important bird species and their relationship with opening and closing of sea mouth, temperature, rainfall and water depth to understand which species was most affected. With the collected secondary literature, we then compared the physical parameters of water measured from the years when the sea mouth was open versus when the sea mouth was closed at Pulicat inlet. Results

The Google earth image of the open sea mouth was observed in the year 1998, 1999, 2000, 2008, 2017 & 2019, followed by two continuous years from 2017 to 2019 and the recent opening occurred in 2019. The maximum width of the sea mouth opening area was found to be 201.72 m and the minimum was 150.13 m. The change in the width of the sand bar ranged from 78.70 to 127.62 m.

Table 1: Measurements of various geomorphological features of Google earth historic imagery of Pulicat Bar mouth

Width of the opened Width of the inlet Width of the sand Year sea mouth area (m) mouth area (m) bar (m) December 2010 - - 113.85 December 2011 - - 119.43 December 2012 - - 108.75 December 2013 - - 105.62 Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

Width of the opened Width of the inlet Width of the sand Year sea mouth area (m) mouth area (m) bar (m) December 2014 - - 114.52 December 2015 - - 120.95 December 2016 - - 127.62 December 2017 201.72 135.16 - December 2018 - - 102.45 December 2019 150.13 64.11 - December 2020 - - 78.70 - No opening of bar mouth

1996 1997 1998

1999 2000 2001

Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

2002 2003 2004

2005 2006 2007

2008 2007 2008

Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

2009 2010 2011

2012 2013 2014

2015 2016 2017

Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

2018 2019 2020

Source: Google Earth

Figure 1. Google Earth imageries from 1996 to 2020

Discussion

Good dredging practices generally rely on the quality and quantity of baseline data available. The geomorphological dynamics serves as baseline data for the lake mouth interpretation such analysis has been applied to the southern Inlets of Pulicat lake (Nagalakshmi et al., 2017, Kumar et al., 2009) to study long-term changes in the geomorphology of inlets. Data are georeferenced and it can be utilized in future studies of Pulicat Bar mouth. The gradual decrease in the width of the inlet mouth by 78.70 m every 3-4 years explains that this trend may continue if the Pulicat intet mouth is not dredged with sustained maintenance ensuring that the sea mouth is kept open as part of the Pulicat lake management. Hence, it is important to mitigate, manage, monitor and protect width of the bar mouth to keep the lake biologically, ecologically, and economically active.

Kumar et al. (2010) recommended the construction of a groyne to prevent sea mouth closure by sand deposition. Construction of stone wall or groin seaward alongside the dredged area of the inlet will prevent the sand bar from quick closure allowing free flow of water from the sea to the lake under the influence of tides. This way Pulicat Lake could once again resume the characteristics of a positive estuary supporting rich floral and faunal diversity. By this, the seasonal shifting of the lake mouths presently experienced by the lake can be prevented and a Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology barrier island supporting mangroves could be developed towards the north of the without getting affected by seasonal damages. If dredged, the free flow of the water from sea to lake will allow fish movements into the lake, which in turn will help the fisherfolks and also increase the visitation of birds due to the availability of fish for food. In 1991 the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) tackle the environmental problems by suggesting the opening of the new mouth. This resulted in substantial increase in fishery, reduction in weed infestation, growth of seagrasses, and appearance of marine mammals like Irrawaddy dolphins Orcaella brevirostris and increase in the population of migratory birds (Sahu et al., 2014, Kumar & Pattnaik 2012 In 2011, when one of the river mouths had opened in October, the salinity declined progressively in Kondurupalem inlet (Krishnaveni 2014). Also, the dissolved oxygen levels were better when the tidal inlet was open. In addition to the high productivity reasons for sufficient dissolved oxygen levels observed at the Kondurupalem tidal water inlet may be due to inflows of tidal water and turbulent movement of the water upstream and downstream (Krishnaveni 2014). In the previous study in Chilika lake, post dredging monitoring revealed that water quality improved significantly after six months (Sahu et al2014).

The important chrono-ecological processes in the lake are the basic requirement for ensuring available food/prey base for long distant migratory birds, local migrants but also 48 fishing villages who are dependent on this lake. Few negative suggestions were recorded from the villages which were surrounded by the lake water, for the reasons that transport and settlements might get affected if the water level increases in the lake during monsoon. Appropriate dredging techniques must ensure that the dredging process does not alter the level of suspended solids. When the sea mouth is closed, the lagoon is no longer open to tidal flushing. Therefore, when the Pulicat Bar mouth is dredged the mixing of sea and lake water will reduce the salinity level which will govern the production of phytoplankton of the Pulicat Lake. It is very likely that the biodiversity will be controlled through sediment and nutrient exchange.

Dredging can be beneficial in improving boat access, clearing clogged channels, and increase in water quality. We suggest that dredging could be done along the sides of the sand bar (Figure 2), through which water could flow gradually into the lake. The dredging may be allowed upto 4m depth and not too deep. It is advised not to perform dredging directly perpendicular to the mouth Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology of the inlet as the quantum of sea water entering the lake will be maximum due to the strong tidal forces which generate a shock to the brackish water lake ecosystem. Therefore, based on a comprehensive understanding of the avian richness, water quality parameters and socio- economics of the people we predict that the opening of sea mouth will be beneficial for maintenance of the brackish ecosystem of Pulicat Lake. To better understand the extent of impacts of dredging on the flora and fauna and the environment, it is important to carry out a pre and post dredging impact assessments. This will also help in the preparation for mitigation measures in case any significant consequences are foreseen.

Figure 2: Proposed Training Walls and Groins

Recommendations

 It is suggested that the Fisheries Department shall periodically monitor (once in three months) the Pulicat Bar mouth site to prevent further siltation of the sand bar subsequent to the proposed post-dredging operation as part of regular maintenance.  It is suggested not to perform dredging directly perpendicular to the mouth of the inlet in order to prevent maximum sea water entering the lake due to the strong tidal forces Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology which in turn may generate sudden changes to the lake ecosystem Instead, it is suggested that the opening of training walls may be tilted towards the north-east direction, considering the historical flow of sea water into the lake through the inlet. This will allow gradual flow of sea water into the lake.  To better understand the extent of impacts of dredging on the flora and fauna and the environment, it is important to carry out post-dredging impact assessments. This will also help in the preparation of mitigation measures in case any significant consequences are foreseen.

Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SEA MOUTH OPENING ON FLAMINGO, OTHER BIRD POPULATIONS AND THE OVERALL ECOSYSTEM WITH REGARDS TO THE CHANGE IN WATER LEVELS AND SALINITY AND SUGGEST MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Materials & Methods

To understand the impact of sea mouth opening and associated hydrological parameters on the wetland dependent bird populations, we conducted thorough literature reviews on published studies in India and internationally to get a comprehensive understanding on the effects of changing levels of selected parameters We searched through SACON's database in the library and looked for references (research papers, books, reports and magazines). In addition we also browsed online using important keywords like "salinity", "temperature", "wetlands", "drought", "turbidity" "pH", water pollution", "heavy metals'. 'Nutrient characteristics", "dissolved oxygen" water depth", and "hypersaline lagoon in Google Scholar Search Engine, We focused on selected parameters which are relatable to the present study. The target groups were water birds", "waders", "shore-birds" and wetland birds.

Results & Discussion

Wetland birds are used as bio indicators, because they reflect minute variation of water parameters. Water levels and prey abundance (macro and macro benthos) in turn are dependent on the amount of rainfall and the perfect blend of sea and freshwater source is essential for maintenance of optimum levels of hydrological parameters. Phytoplankton growth and other benthic organisms prefer neutral pH or slightly alkaline pH. The fact that in our study, water and sediment samples from the lake, water channel and sea were alkaline, these conditions supported a high population and diversity of phytoplankton. Schell & Krekes (1989) stated that acidic wetlands do not support waterfowl habitats. Anthropogenic activities are the major reason for pH fluctuation in wetland ecosystems (Manikannan et al., 2012). However, at times sometimes acidic pH are favorable for water birds, they minimize the chance of Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) infection on water fowls as it produces a conformation change in the protein of AIV (Stallknecht et al., 1990) Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology Turbidity affects the clarity and light penetration of water. Highly turbid water red light penetration capacity, thereby affecting the productivity of wetland ecosystems Extreme turbidity affects the foraging ability of water birds (Strod et al., 2004). Sometimes pollution and other nutrient loads negatively affect the density of water birds (Tiwary et al., 2014). Studies reported that when water level decreased the turbidity levels also increased, especially in summer (Saraswathy & Pandian 2016, Dhinamala e al., 2015).

Most of the previous studies discussed about the negative effect of hyper salinity on prey resources, especially the decline in fish species (Rubega & Robinson 1996) and other benthic organisms of freshwater ecosystems, gradually creating food scarcity in the ecosystem, and reducing the feeding success of wetland birds (Gutiérrez et al. 2011). Salinity levels are critical for maintenance of mangrove ecosystem and mangrove associated birds as the increasing salinity reduces food source for water birds, especially the number of polychaetes, gastropods and other invertebrates (Sandiliyan et al., 2010).

Increased salinity negatively affected small and large waders (Montague & Ley 1993) and increased alkaline conditions adversely affect growth stages of all biological life forms of wetland (Saraswat et al., 2015). Some of the water parameters directly influence birds while other factors indirectly effect through prey or predation. Therefore, hydrological parameters and nutrient levels act as limiting factor for aquatic ecosystems. It was also found that earlier studies reported that hypersaline conditions are favorable for flamingo foraging grounds (Berruti 1983, Childress et al., 2008, Vargas et al., 2008). Among wetland bird communities there are two major groups, visual and non-visual feeders so when water depth increases, it could be unsuitable for non-visual feeders like Ibis, Curlews with probing bills while high water depths are beneficial for strictly piscivorous birds like Spoonbills and Pelicans. Northern Shovelers are reported to prefer high water levels when their preferred prey is abundant (Senner et al., 2018). Hence, it is essential that the Fisheries Department ensures that optimum water depths are well-maintained especially during summer and the migratory season to attract a large diversity of wetland birds. Studies reported that heavy metal contamination in wetlands can lead to bioaccumulation in various fish species which could be harmful for piscivorous birds like Painted storks, Pond heron, and Cattle egret (Muralidharan et al., 2017). Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology The Greater flamingos inhabit saline shallow water like salt pans, salt lagoons and alkaline takes. The food of Greater flamingos is shrimp, larvae, blue-green and red algae (Ramesh & Ramachandran 2005). Although flamingoes preferred different water depths depending upon their activity, they often visited the northern part (Andhra Pradesh part) of Pulicat close to SHAR road in large numbers (n = 2000) in January 2019 for foraging. These feeding grounds which had 1 m depth of water were sighted close to the Buckingham canal, suggesting that the species prefers to feed at sites with optimum salinity levels and adequate food resources (Ramesh & Ramachandran 2005). Hence shallow waters upto 80 cm are preferred by flamingos for foraging (Childress et al. 2009). Hypersaline waters also enhance the production of invertebrates and shrimps that are often preferred by Gulls and Terns (Pandiyan et al., 2014). Earlier studies recorded flamingo feeding area decreased in proportion to the shrinking spatial spread of water in Pulicat (Raj 2006, Karaman et al., 2010). Based on our interactions with local fisherfolks they informed us that flamingoes used to visit the Pulicat bar mouth many years back however they haven't seen the species visiting this part of the lake in recent years.

The declining water levels and increasing salinities recorded in Pulicat in recent decades correspond strongly with similar conditions occurring at many other saline lakes/lagoon, globally, stressing the entire network of water bird habitats (Senner et al., 2018), making it difficult for long-distance migratory birds to find alternative stop-over feeding sites. In Charadriiforms, in particular, the size of the salt gland may vary considerably with environmental conditions as there is a high likelihood of salt glands in Charadriiformes to become hypertrophic if they don't ingest freshwater (Mahoney & Jehl 1985). Therefore, the opening of Pulicat mouth is predicted to be beneficial for the maintenance of brackish ecosystem as it will optimize the levels of pH, salinity and water depths, thereby decreasing the shrimp abundance, but increasing the fish stock to attract a diverse range of water birds from small to large body sizes. Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology Table: 1 Summary on the effects of changing hydrological and nutrient parameters and water pollutants on wetland birds in India and across the world Bird/Species Study Area/ Habitat Hydrological Change In Water Consequence Authors Year Parameter Parameter

Water birds Kadalundi Valikkunnu Salinity Salinity increased Increasing salinity negatively Aarif & Community Reserve, from November to affected key food source of Prasadan Kerala, India May water birds. increasing (2014) salinity will reduce the number of polychaetes and other Invertebrates Migratory water Indian mangrove Salinity Salinity increased in Invertebrates Increasing Sandilyan et al birds ecosystem mangrove ecosystem salinity (2010) negatively affected migratory water bird populations as it reduces the population of gastropods, shrimps and benthic organisms which are the major food of migratory birds in mangrove ecosystem Small and Point Calimere Salinity Salinity increased due Increasing salinity negatively Manikannan Large wader Wildlife Sanctuary, to salt production affected both small and large et al., (2012) Tamil Nadu wader population pH pH increased due to Increased pH, adversely anthropogenic affected all biological life activities forms of wetland Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology Water birds Bhindawas Wildlife Water Temperature in the High temperature increases Saluja & Garg Sanctuary Haryana, temperature lake was higher biological growth in the lake, (2017) India during summer and indirectly supporting water lower during winter bird populations Painted storks Delhi, India Salinity Increased salinity and Heavy metals pollution and Twary et.al (Mycteria heavy metal pollution increased salinity in the water (2014) leucocephala) Water was recorded in affected the breeding rate of pollution nearby wetlands of painted storks. Breeding rate with heavy Delhi was reduced due to food metals scarcity. High salinity and extreme pollution reduced the aquatic fauna and flora Water birds Ennore, TAMIL Nadu Salinity Variation in salinity Salinity acts as a limiting Mohan Raj et., mainly by factor in the distribution of (2013) Dissolved evaporation and organisms in aquatic oxygen (DO) dilution of fresh environment. water DO regulates the metabolic activity of biological community. It is the most important factor of water body, adequate DO value helps a maintain a balanced aquatic ecosystem of plants and animals so these factors indirectly effect water birds Water birds Pichavaram pH In this study they Water birds diversity and Nagarajan & Mangroves, Tamil observed fluctuations species richness depended on Thiyagesan Nadu, India Water depth in these parameters these parameters. (1996) in different habitats Phosphorus and pH levels Nitrite of Pichavarm, i.e. were correlated with richness and diversity of water birds. Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology Phosphorus mudflat, marshy area, Decreased water depth and swamps supported easy access of prey from mudflat. Nitrate and phosphorus content plays a key role in the productivity of aquatic ecosystem Samll waders Bung Boraphet Water level Water level increased Increasing water depth Haq et.al., wetland, Thailand in wet season reduced the number of small (2018) Dissolved  Dissolved oxygen waders is 1.8 m. Number of oxygen level is increased in piscivorous birds increased wet season with dissolved oxygen. When the DO rate exceeds 5.5 mg/l, it supported the growth of fish Waders Cape town, South  Water level Retreating water Decreased water levels in Essig 2016 Africa levels summer season supported the growth of Chironomidae larva. Those larval form feed by small waders. Retreating water level was positively associated with waders. Little Stint, Sivash, Ukraine Salinity Hypersaline Lagoon Hyper salinity of lagoons was Verkuil et al., Broad billed favourable for brine shrimp (1993) sandpiper Artemia salina. Several (Calidris waders feed on this shrimp falcinellus), species Curlew Sand piper Water birds San franisco Salinity Increased salinity in Highest number of water Warmock et ponds birds recorded in 140 ppt al., (2002) saline water and maximum Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology species richness was observed in 120 ppt. Hypersalinity of water also supports prey diversity. Water birds Salinity Increased salinity Increased salinity reduces the Figuerola (Salt water attck of parasites on birds, (1999) habitat) Haematozoans is a parasite; it is less active in hyper saline condition Dunlins (Calidris Spain Salinity Increased salinity Basal Metabolic rate (BMR) of Gutierrez et alpina) dunlin increased with saline al., (2011) habitat. BMR of dunlin was low in fresh water habitat. Increase in BMR could be due to increased size and metabolic intensity of tissues involved in salt secreation. Waders Austrialia Salinity Increased salinity Ecological niches of water Crawford birds were lower in saline (1975) areas. Most of the water birds prefer hyposaline region for their activity Greater St Lucia, South Africa Water level Minimum water level Minimum water level and Berruti (1983) flamingo SalinityHypersalinity hypersalinity supports the (Phoenicopterus Salinity feeding of greater flamingo roseus) American Galapagos Water level Water level increasing Due to EI Nino phenomenon, Vargas et al., flamingo due to EI Nino event the rainfall rate had increased (2008) (Phoenicopterus wityh consequent effects on ruber) increasing water levels. Flamingo numbers declined Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology due to high water levels as they are filter feeders and prefer shallow water regions. Northern pintail San Francisco, Bay of Salinity  Hypersalinity of Hypersaline conditions do not Coates et al., California Water support the feeding behavior (2012) of pintails. Main diet of pintails includes Macrophytes. Which cant withstand hypersaline conditions White – Scotland pH Decreasing Breeding density of dippers Vickery (1991) throated dipper (acidification of was reduced (Cinclus cinclus) water) White – Wales, UK pH  Acidification of water Distribution of dippers was Ormerod et throated reduced due to food scarcity. al., (1986) Main diet of bredding dippers is Trichoptera larva. They cant withstand in high acidity Great cormoEnt Experimental Turbidity Turbidity increasing High turbidity reduces the Strod et al., (Phalacrocorax procedure in clarity of water and (2004) carbo) capitivity adversesly affected the vision of diving birds like cormorants Forster’s Tern Monterey Bay, Turbidity  Turbidity increasing High turbidity influenced the Henkel (2006) (Sterna California prey population of diving forsteri), birds and influenced light Brandt’s penetration and visual acuity cormorant of terms and cormorants (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology Little egret France Dissolved  Dissolved oxygen rate DO levels indirectly Kersten et al., (Egretta oxygen was minimum around influenced the feeding rate of (1991) garzetta) sunrise and it little egerts. DO rate directly gradually increased effect6s fish respiration. In with time period low dissolved oxygen level fishes come to the surface water for respiration, so they are easily picked up by egrets. But in sufficient DO Levels, fishes goes remain in aquatic vegetative corner thereby minimizing risk of avian predation. Waterfowl Coastal Louisiana pH Decreased pH Infection of avian influenza Stallknecht et virus (AIV) is related with pH al., (1990) Salinity Increasing salinity and water salinity as AIV infection decreased with low pH and high salinity. When pH is <.5 (acidic), confirmation change occurs in haemagglutinin which is a glycoprotein causing infection on affected hosts. Acidic pH and high salinity of water reduced the risk of AIV infection on waterfowls. Water birds Bundala National Water depth Salinity and water Bird abundance was high in Chandana et Park, Sri Lanka depth was controlled pond with moderate salinity al., (2012) Salinity in one pond and water level. Increasing compared to other salinity adversely effected aquatic fauna and flora Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology two pond inside Bundala National Park Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology Table: 2 Faunal Species Recorded in the Study Area and their Status of Protection IUCN WPA (1972) Name Common Name Scientific Name status Status Butterflies Angled Castor Ariadne Ariadne LC * Blue Pansy Junonia orithiya LC * Blue Tiger Tirumala limniace LC * Common Cerulean Jamides celeno LC * Common Mormon Papilio polytes LC * Common Pierrot Castalius rosimon LC Sch. I Common Rose Pachliopta LC * aristolochiae Common Sailer Neptis hylas LC * Crimson Rose Pachliopta hector LC Sch. I Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus LC Sch. I Forget- me- not Catochrysops strabo LC * Tricoloured pied flat Coladenia indrani LC * Moths Crimson-speckled moth Utetheisa pulchella LC * Indian Wasp Moth Euchromia spp LC * Dragonflies Scarlet Rock Glider Trithemis kirbyi LC * Common Picture Wing Rhyothemis variegata LC * Black stream Glider Trithemis festiva LC * Ditch Jewel Brachythemis LC * contamina Coromandel marsh Dart Ceriagrion LC * coromandelianum Three striped Blue Dart Pseudagrion LC * decorum Bugs Red Cotton Stainer Dysdercus LC * cingulatus Beetles Jewel Bug Chrysocoris stollii LC * Wasp Orange Spider Wasp Cryptocheilus LC * bicolor Spider Two Striped Jumper Telamonia LC * dimidata Crustacean Hermit Crab Paguroidea LC * (S.Fsmily) Fiddler Crab Uca annulipes LC * Echinoderm Starfish Osteroideae (Class) LC * ata Amphibian Asian Common Toad Duttaphrynus LC * melanostictus Indian Tree frog Polypedates LC * Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology IUCN WPA (1972) Name Common Name Scientific Name status Status maculatus Reptiles Oriental Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor LC * Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Lepidochelys VU Sch. I olivacea Beaked Sea Snake Enhydrina LC Sch. IV schistosa Mammals Golden Jackal Canis aureus LC Sch. II indicus Wild Pig Sus scrofa LC Sch. III Flying Fox Pteropus (Genus) LC Sch. V LC = Least concern; VU = Vulnerable, * = information unavailable Avian Species

Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) Wood Sandpiper (Tringaglare glareola)

Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus) Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

Asian Openbill Stork (Anastomus oscitans) Jerdon's Bushlark (Mirafra affinis)

Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) melanocephalus)

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyuran) Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) himantopus)

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva)

Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology White-bellied Sea Eagle Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) Little Stint (Calidris minuta)

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) Common Redshank (Tringa tetanus)

Brown-headed Gull Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) (Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus) Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

Great Egret (Ardea alba) Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala)

Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata) Pied Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Butterfly Species Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

Common Cerulean (Jamides celeno) Common Pierrot (Castalius rosimon)

Common Mormon (Papilio polytes) Blue Tiger (Tirumala limniace)

Crimson Rose (Pachliopta hector) Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) Moth Species Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

Crimson-speckled moth (Utetheisa pulchella) Indian Wasp Moth (Euchromia spp) Dragonfly Species

Black stream Glider (Trithemis festiva) Scarlet Rock Glider (Trithemis kirbyi) Damselfly Species

Coromandel Marsh Dart Three striped Blue (Pseudagrion decorum) (Ceriagrion coromandelianum) Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

Two Striped Jumper (Telamonia dimidata) Antlion Crab Species

Hermit Crab Fiddler Crab (Uca annulipes) Amphibian Species

Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus Indian Tree frog (Polypedates maculates) melanostictus)

Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology Reptile Species

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor) olivacea)

Fan Throated Lizard (Sitana ponticeriana) Beaked Sea Snake (Enhydrina schistose)

Annexure II Abstract of the Study Report conducted by Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology

Recommendations

 Since large flocks of flamingo (over 2000 individuals) were recorded nearly 10 km away from the inlet, the opening of sea mouth will not have any major impact on the species.  In summer, water evaporation causes an increase in salinity, total dissolved solids, and conductivity and decrease the level of dissolved oxygen. The opening of sea mouth will allow exchange of sea and lake water thereby improving the water quality in the lake and decrease in the salinity levels.  It is suggested that there should be regular monitoring of the physio-chemical parameters at different sections of the lake using portable multi parameter probes to record the fluctuations in salinity and water levels on seasonal basis to maintain the parameters within the acceptable range.  Periodic monitoring of the opening and closure of the sand bar at the mouth of the inlet and simultaneous systematic monitoring of hydrological parameters and water birds can help in better understanding the lake ecosystem dynamics and its impact on wetland associated species. Annexure III

Annexure IV Salinity changes in Pulicat Lake

Study area1

Pulicat is a transitional water ecosystem and the second largest after Chilika, on the east coast of India. It belongs to the hot sub-humid to semi-arid ecoregion with coastal alluvium soils. The lagoon is spread over ~450 km2 with an average depth ~1 – 2 m. A bathymetric profile of the lagoon based on field measurements during 2015 is shown in Figure 1. It has been suggested that the lagoon has become shallower over the years (Sanjeevaraj, 2011).

On its eastern side, the system is connected to the Bay of Bengal through a narrow (~200 to 500 m) entrance located in the southern portion; the exchange of water between the lagoon and the sea primarily occurs here, except at times of total closure. A smaller entrance (~50–150 m) is located in the north devoid of a direct connection with the lagoon and the exchange through this is highly restricted. Thus, we do not consider this feature as a significant factor influencing the salinity dynamics.

During the years of very low rainfall and high eva- poration, it is common for the complete closures of both the entrances of the system. The effect of eva- poration is particularly evident in the northern sec- tors, especially the eastern sector (Raman et al., 1977) which is devoid of a direct connection to sea or river. High rates of evaporation also increase the influence of secondary flow from the landward side on the hydrological characteristics of the lagoon waters.

On its western shore, two rivers – the Araniar (Figure 1; marked ‘A’) and the Kalangi (Figure 1; marked ‘B’) located in the south and north, respectively, bring in the freshwater during the monsoon season (October to December) with the absent or negligible flow in the dry seasons. The annual average flow of Kalangi at the zone of confluence with the lagoon is about 92 MCM while that of Araniar is about 100 MCM (Integrated Hydrological Data, 2015). Dilution from groundwater seepage is negligi- ble, while seawater intrusion through the riverine backwaters has been reported widely (Jasmin & Mallikarjuna, 2015; Raju, Reddy, Muniratnam, Gossel, & Wycisk, 2013). The influx of the freshwater from these rivers, combined with the tidal influx of seawater from the Bay of Bengal, the large-scale mon- soonal precipitation as well as influx from small streams such as Buckingham canal endows a multi-environment system with high internal salinity fluc- tuations (Rao and Rao 1975; Figure 2).

1 Harini Santhanam & S Amal Raj (2019) Spatial and temporal analyses of salinity changes in Pulicat lagoon, A transitional ecosystem, during 1996–2015, Water Science, 33:1, 93-104. Annexure IV Salinity changes in Pulicat Lake

Figure 1. Location of Pulicat lagoon and its bathymetry

 Red regions correspond to shallow regions and blues represent the deeper portions. Regions marked ‘A’ and ‘B’ correspond to the parts under the influence of rivers Araniar and Kalangi, respectively.  The insets show images of the statuses of the southern (“Main BoB entrance”; connected to the sea) and northern (“Choked entrance”; restricted) entrances for selected periods.

Salinity data

Surface water salinities of Pulicat lagoon were compiled from the available discrete datasets (see Table 1 for the list of sources) in the period 1996–2008. The period from PRE to POE corresponds to the critical period of salinity shifts for the lagoon from the dry season (March to September; including the buildup of salinity in the summer season) to the wet season (October to February). Considering the shallow water depth and the lack of stratification in field observations, we treated Pulicat as a 1-D shallow system and the values reported herein represent the salinity of the whole water column of the sites investigated. The locations of the data points of salinity observations used for the various years are given in Figure 2, which Annexure IV Salinity changes in Pulicat Lake also shows their distribution throughout the lagoon system. It is important to note that the availability of whole-system datasets is quite limited for Pulicat. Hence, we have selected only such datasets during the period of study (1996–2015), which could provide data covering all the sectors. The zonation of the lagoon, as described here, is also shown in Figure 2 for further clarity of the interpretation of the salinity distributions and multi-environmental characteristics.

Figure 2. Locations of salinity data observations and sectorial classification of Pulicat Lake

 Datasets used for the present investigation. ‘S’, ‘C’, ‘W’ and ‘E’ correspond to the Southern, Central, North-western and North-eastern portions of the lagoon derived considering the zonation described in Rao and Rao (1974), Radhakrishnan (1975) and Raman et al. (1977).  The distribution of data points (colorized according to the year of observation) shows the density of observations used for the study.

Annexure IV Salinity changes in Pulicat Lake

Table 1. Datasets, their sources and the number of corresponding observations considered for the investigation.

Number of observations Period Reference Analysis for which the Pre monsoon Post dataset is used (PRE) monsoon (POE) 1996–1997 Padma and Periakali (1999) Spatial, inter-annual 12 12 and inter-sectorial analyses 1999–2000 Lagoons of India Report, ENVIS, Spatial, inter-annual 26 17 (2001) and inter-sectorial analyses 2000–2001 No Impact Zone studies, ICMAM Spatial, inter-annual 20 20 Report, (2003) and inter-sectorial analyses Ramesh et al. (2002) Spatial analysis 8 0 2005–2006 Harini Santhanam, Ph.D thesis, Anna Spatial, inter-annual 12 12 University, Chennai, India, (2009) and inter-sectorial analyses 2006–2007 Harini Santhanam, Ph.D thesis, Anna Spatial, inter-annual 12 12 University, Chennai, India, (2009) and inter-sectorial analyses 2007–2008 Reddy et al. (2012) Spatial, inter-annual 30 30 and inter-sectorial analyses 2015 Direct field investigation, December Spatial analysis 0 15 2015; Santhanam and Natarajan (2018) Total number of observations 120 118

Precipitation and entrance closures

It is important to note that the North-East Monsoon (NEM; October to December) is more dominant com- pared to the South-West Monsoon (SWM; June to September) in the south-east coastal region of India (e.g Sreekala, Rao, & Rajeevan, 2012). We considered the mean rainfall for both NEM and SWM for the period under investigation corresponding to the POE and PRE periods, respectively.

To identify the entrance statuses, we used field investigation reports (Coulthard, 2008; IOM report, 2003; Nagarjuna, Kumar, Kalarani, & Reddy, 2010; Reddy et al., 2012) as well as selected satellite ima- geries from the Landsat 1–5 MSS imageries with a spatial resolution of 30 m and ETM+ (NASA Landsat Annexure IV Salinity changes in Pulicat Lake

Program, 2013; 20 scenes) licensed for free use by USGS and NASA, as well as Google Earth imageries from 1996 to 2015.

1996 1997 1998

1999 2000 2001

2002 2003 2004

Annexure IV Salinity changes in Pulicat Lake

2005 2006 2007

2008 2007 2008

2009 2010 2011

Annexure IV Salinity changes in Pulicat Lake

2012 2013 2014

Source: Google Earth

Figure 3. Google Earth imageries from 1996 to 2014 Results and Dissuasion

Figure 4. Salinity distributions are color coded and the contours

 Long-term spatial distributions of the mean surface water salinities of Pulicat in pre-monsoon (PRE) and post-monsoon (POE) periods.  Salinity distributions are color coded and the contours represent the respective standard deviations (S.D.) for PRE and POE. Annexure IV Salinity changes in Pulicat Lake

Table 2. Mean salinities calculated from the annual and sector-wise datasets of Pulicat lagoon for successive pre monsoon and post monsoon seasons.

PREMONSOON SALINITY in ppt (PRE) POSTMONSOON SALINITY in ppt (POE) Year South Central Western Easter Year South Central Western Easter 1996 35.50 40.56 40.20 35.00n 1996 - - - n - 1997 - - - - 1997 5.20 3.24 1.92 0.00 1999 37.88 43.17 37.67 44.07 1999 - - - - 2000 32.82 32.58 33.14 32.50 2000 27.23 20.79 22.51 19.08 2001 - - - - 2001 31.93 25.82 24.25 25.97 2005 33.89 30.98 27.76 31.40 2005 - - - - 2006 36.67 32.63 29.43 30.57 2006 33.41 29.14 26.46 25.67 2007 37.47 41.11 35.00 41.62 2007 32.57 30.20 28.83 29.67 2008 2008 38.16 42.93 40.30 45.53 Mean 35.70 36.84 33.87 35.86 Mean 28.08 25.35 24.05 24.32 Overall PRE mean 35.57 Overall POE mean 24.45

Figure 5. Annual mean salinities of Pulicat lagoon Figure 6. Sector-wise mean salinities of Pulicat during the period 1996–2015 lagoon during the period 1996–2015

Annexure IV Salinity changes in Pulicat Lake

 The percent annual deviation (Ai) from the mean annual salinity over the four sectors for PRE and for POE seasons, respectively. ‘+’ indicate the increase in the system salinity between the subsequent periods; ‘-’ indicates the decrease.  The value of Ai varies within a maximum range of −12.7 and +20.2% across the sectors for PRE season. For the POE season, the values range between −90.8 and +12.2% across the sectors.  High Ai values for PRE are observed in the years 1999 (+20.2%) and 2005 (+18.8%) in the western and central sectors, respectively. Across the years, increase in salinity was the maximum for PRE of 1999 (range of Ai across sectors is +10.5% to 20.2%).  Further, the salinity increase in POE of 2001 is a singular occurrence in all sectors (range: +6.5– 12.2%) with the exception of the south, where, a low Ai value of −3.9% is observed.

Figure 7. Mean salinity and rainfall for the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods during 1996 – 2008

 Plots of mean salinity (primary axis) and rainfall (secondary axis) for the pre-monsoon (PRE) and post-monsoon (POE) periods during 1996 − 2008 for the South-west monsoon (SWM; May to September) and North-east Monsoon (NEM;October to December) seasons (Sources: http://hydro.imd.gov.in/; http://www.indiawaterportal.org) are shown. Data for 2015 are not included here.  The statuses of connectivity to the sea (BoB) via the southern main entrance are marked as ‘C’ = closed; ‘O’ = open, visually interpreted using imageries from Google Earth and field reports (Coulthard, 2008; Nagarjuna et al., 2010; Reddy et al., 2012) without any band transformations or geospatial analyses. Annexure IV Salinity changes in Pulicat Lake

 Since the overall spatial patterns of salinity variations (in the range of 21 −36 ppt) as observed from the spatial interpolation of the datasets over the period 1996–2015. The differences in the mean salinities are distinct between PRM and POE.  In both PRE and POE, the southern sector remains the sector with lowest S.D. indicating a somewhat persistent salinity climate across the years among all sectors. A change of 1 ppt S.D is evident within about 10 km into the lagoon from the southern entrance and rapid succession of the 1, 2 and 3 ppt contours for PRE and 11, 12 and 13 ppt contours for POE are evident. This indicates the dynamic nature of the sector during POE and possible deviations to the extents of tidal influences at different years.  Maximum deviation contours of 8 ppt are observed in eastern sector during PRE and 16 ppt are observed in western sector for POE indicating the multi- environmental nature of the lagoon and its inter- sectoral differences in salinity distribution. In the central and the eastern sectors, high salinities are progressively developed during individual years based on the carry-over salinity from the previous POE period as reported.  In the case of the southern sector, connectivity to the sea, even if restricted, endows it with a uniform sea-side salinity with less chances for dilution from Araniar river except during extreme events as the 2015 flood event. These observations again imply the multi- environmental responses to the mixing characteristics of the lagoon. Recommendation

Since the present study highlighted the important trends in annual and seasonal differences in mean salinities and discussed the carry-over salinity from POE to the successive PRE over the shorter periods. It has emerged that the differences in carry-over salinities evolve in reaction to the differential scales of precipita- tion, entrance dynamics and sectoral exchanges, which in turn determine the long-term trends.

Short-term variabilities would assume importance to Pulicat with its major shrimp and fish landings on the eastern coast of India. These results form the basis for further investigations of the increase of anthropogenic activities in the lagoon near the south- ern sector (where the Pulicat fish landing center operates) that cause higher secondary salinization through the riverine run-off of Araniar and Kalangi rivers, and consequently, contributing to a higher magnitude of POE salinity changes.

The major conclusions from the study are listed below:

 Closure of bar mouth major significantly affect salinity decrease in POE in the succes- sive years, suggesting that Permanent Stability of Bar Mouth required for southern port the pulicat Lake.  Western sector always illustrates the higher amount of desalination and the magnitude of desalination of Southern sector close to the sea becomes critical in deciding the extent of export of low-saline waters to the Bay of Bengal.  Magnitude of dilution decreases as we move toward the latter years, despite high rainfall in 2005, 2006.  Secondary salinization from run-off clearly suppresses the dilution effect of precipitation in the lagoon over the long-term leading to higher carry-over salinities between successive seasons.

Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu

INTRODUCTION1 General India has a long coastline of about 7500 km including its island territories, which consists of a variety of coastal habitats (areas) such as estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, etc. These coastal areas and areas of endangered animals are considered as “critical habitats” as they are unique, fragile and exhibit high biodiversity supporting several coastal and marine plants and animals. By virtue of these habitats located in coastal areas, their high productivity and the services they offer, they are subjected to ecological pressure due to natural processes and human interventions. The combined pressure of natural processes and human activities cause changes in these critical habitats leading to deterioration and/or loss of these areas over the years. The coastal regions of India are densely populated and nearly 20% of the total population of India living in these regions. The maritime states of India is under enormous pressure in terms of maintaining its stability against the perennial erosion of coast, blocking of river mouths through sedimentation as well as against the extreme coastal hazards like cyclones, storm surges and tsunami. This calls for an in-depth assessment of the behavior of the shoreline which is dictated by the wave and sediment dynamics. On fulfilling this task, the next important task would be to plan for mitigation measures and implement them in such a way it does not transfer the problem to adjoining coast. Such an exercise is taken up for the Tamilnadu coast, the details of which are presented in this report.

Tamilnadu situated along the South-East of Peninsular India has a land area of nearly 1, 30,000 Sq.Km and a coastline of nearly 1000 km. A major portion of this coastline, starts from Pulicat in the North and extends up to Kanyakumari in the south, along the east coast and on the west coast a length of about 40km of the coastline extends from Kanyakumari to Erayumanthurai. Estuaries of ecological importance, major and minor ports, fishing harbours, monuments of international heritage, tourist locations, pilgrimage centres, etc are located along the coastline of Tamilnadu. Considerable length of Tamilnadu coast is exposed to erosion and accretion, for instance, nearly 10 Km of coast north of Chennai harbour along the stretch of Royapuram has been eroding continuously since the development of the Chennai harbour which has been formed by a pair of breakwaters. Nearly 4,84,000 m2 of coastal area is believed to have eroded along this coast over two decades. It is also a fact that about 2,25,000 m2 of sand has deposited resulting in the advancement of the marina beach towards the sea. The erosion of beaches due to long shore transport has been observed from Pulicat up to Cuddalore. From Poompuhar to

1 Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan for the entire coast of Tamil Nadu Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu Nagapattinam, the effect of onshore-offshore movement during cyclone is seen apart from the littoral drift alongshore.

Therefore, while carrying out erosion control measures, it is imperative that the problems are analyzed systematically and appropriate management solutions are arrived to minimize damages if any. This is the major goal of the preparation of a comprehensive shoreline protection management plan / scheme. Realizing this, Director, department of Environment, Govt of Tamilnadu, vide: R.C No.P1/Appeal/4/2011 dated 29.12.2015 requested IIT Chennai to prepare Comprehensive shoreline protection management plan / Scheme for the entire coast of Tamil Nadu in compliance with the orders of Hon’ble NGT for the protection of the coast.

Indian Institute of Technology Chennai, IITM which spontaneously agreed to the task of planning for tsunami rehabilitation measures for Tamilnadu soon after the great Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 readily accepted the request of Department of Environment, Government of Tamilnadu to carry out a detailed study which would also include a review of works as done till date by different agencies and to come out with a Comprehensive Shoreline Management Plan (SPM) for the entire coast of Tamilnadu. This would be a next higher level document on the Master Plan for Coastal Protection of TN coast which was prepared in 2005 as per the request of Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Tamilnadu as a part of tsunami rehabilitation. In the present investigation field measurements at vulnerable locations that are identified through a scientific approach would be supplemented to provide the solution.

The comprehensive SPM for the entire coast of Tamilnadu would cover the following.

 Identification of critically vulnerable coastal areas through vulnerability assessment  Modeling studies, past significant data sources, literatures are the tools to be provided  Management options including developing short term measures for protection of eroding areas based on behavioural studies  Identification of hot-spot erosion sites on the areas furnished by the PWD & Fisheries department and fixing suitable protection measures – either soft or hard solutions.

SHORELINE DEMARCATION

In the present report the entire coastal line of Tamil Nadu has been analyzed by dividing the entire coastline into number of stretches with a length of around 5km each. Most land areas are covered in satellite imagery with a resolution of about 15 m per pixel. This base imagery is 30 m multispectral Landsat which is pansharpened with the 15 m [panchromatic] Landsat imagery. However, Google is actively Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu replacing this base imagery with 2.5 m SPOT Image imagery and several higher-resolution datasets. Some population centers are also covered by aircraft imagery (orthophotography) with several pixels per meter. Google Earth will typically default to older images with higher resolution or clarity rather than newer low- resolution images. Because of the wide variety of data sources, Google Earth images come in a wide range of spatial resolutions. Most land areas are shown at 15-meter resolution, but the most detailed Google Earth images have resolutions as fine as 15 centimeters (6 inches). The advantage in using google earth is that the updated and latest image available and a variety of supplementary data can be easily viewed on a feature of interest. Thereby existing coastal protection structures are located site specifically and demarcated. The instant availability of a wide range of historic images helps to enhance the accuracy and linearity in predicting the shoreline changes over the years.

Key points on shoreline analysis and its limitations

 To predict patterns of shoreline behavior using the derivation of historical rate of change trends as an indicator of future trends assuming continuity in the physical, natural or anthropogenic forcing which have forced the historical change observed at the site.  The main advantage and reason for using historical maps is that they are able to provide a historic record that is not available from other data sources. Many potential errors however are associated with historical coastal maps and charts. Such errors may be associated with scale, datum changes, distortions from uneven shrinkage, stretching, creases, tears and folds, different surveying standards, different publication standards, and projection errors (Boak & Turner, 2005).  The severity of these errors depends on the accuracy standards met by each map and the physical changes that have occurred since the publication of the map (Anders & Byrnes 1991).  Uncertainty ranges (error bars) are smaller and the confidence of erosion rate data is greater when using long-term data rather than short-or medium-term data.  The use of long-term data produces alongshore erosion rate profiles that are spatially smoother than short- or medium-term data  The use of longer temporal spans acts to filter out short-term fluctuations (noise) from the long- term trend (signal).  Forecasting guidance signifies the desirability of using data spanning duration at least twice as long as the projection interval. This demonstrates the importance of long term data in defining construction setbacks. (Mark Crowell, Stephen P. Leatherman, Michael K. Buckley, 1993).

Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu SHORELINE ASSESSMENT

The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) is computer software that computes rate-of- change statistics from multiple historic shoreline positions residing in a GIS. It is used worldwide as a method for assessing shoreline change. It is useful for computing rates of change for just about any other boundary change problem that incorporates a clearly- identified feature position at discrete times. The software uses a reference baseline method as the starting point for transects that cross through a time series of shoreline positions. Output data include a variety of rate metrics including end-point and several regression methods like ordinary least square, weighted least squares, and least median of squares. The shoreline change rate was calculated by dividing the distance of shoreline movement by the time difference between the oldest and the most recent shoreline. End point rate (EPR) is a simple and popular approach adapted to calculate the shoreline change rates. Two shoreline dates is the minimal requirement for rate computation. Following equation is used for EPR calculation.

RSC (m/yr) = Distance between shorelines/Time difference between oldest and youngest shoreline

Shoreline analysis

Demarcating and assessing the shoreline for a given study area before going into the field has advantages that includes

 Promoting effective hypothesis for locating the vulnerable sites  Aiding the selection and evaluating of the critically vulnerable sites  Providing a baseline data on historic changes on shorelines

Steps involved in the present shoreline stability analysis through satellite imagery

 Shoreline of Tamil Nadu is demarcated with the help of Google Earth based on the historical maps available which ranges over a period of 2004-2016.  The coastal stretch is divided into 5 km so that the entire shoreline analysis is executed in around 1:5000 scale.  Google earth have the updated and latest image available to the users and it is less time consuming.  A variety of supplementary data can be easily viewed by clicking on a feature of interest in Google earth and the mapping or the demarcation presented in Google Earth instantly makes the data presentation look professional with relatively little effort. Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu  The demarcated shorelines for different years of each stretch is superimposed for computing shoreline change rate using DSAS.  The software uses a reference baseline method as the starting point for transects that cross through a time series of shoreline positions.  The user supplies sequential shoreline vectors and a reference baseline as inputs and DSAS generates orthogonal transects from the baseline that intersect the shorelines.  These transect-shoreline intersections provide the measurement locations used to estimate rates of change for the time series data.  Calculations are performed using an external module included in the DSAS distribution that provides users the option of developing their own calculation modules.  In addition to statistical outputs, DSAS automatically generates metadata when transect locations are created when rate calculations are performed.  DSAS captures user-input variables and processing steps within the transect metadata file, providing automated recordkeeping of calculation parameters and settings used when generating transects and performing rate of change calculations  The software presently works as an extension within ESRI’s Arc Map application but an open- source, web-based application is currently being considered.  Based on the accretion and erosion rate a vulnerability scale is defined which effective in channelizing the field study.  Predictions were rechecked and compared with The Shoreline Change Analysis Atlas of the Indian Coast prepared by Space Application Centre (ISRO) and also with National Assessment of shoreline change for Tamil Nadu coast prepared by National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM).

Mapping the shoreline

Each 5km stretch is presented as plates numbered from 1to 180 in Annexure – 1,on 5 different mapping each portraying a significant data, which is used in this Comprehensive Shoreline Management study.

 Present status of the shoreline including the physical features and man-made structures  One decadal oscillation of shoreline profile  Rate of shoreline change during last one decade  Identification of vulnerability in terms of rate of shoreline erosion Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu  Proposed structures

Vulnerability scale

The vulnerability scale is assigned based on the following criteria

 Greater than 5m erosion  Erosion between 2m and 5m  Erosion between 0 and 2m  Accreting coast

Oscillations of Crest of Berm of the Coast

The monthly movement of the crest of the berm from a fixed baseline in particular at locations experiencing severe changes in its configuration, were identified through field data collection in this exercise. The observation stations were selected depending on field conditions in such a way that they will not be disturbed under normal environmental conditions and care was taken to locate them near permanent land marks such as existing structures, monuments, etc.

Out of the total length of Coastline of Tamilnadu about 60 km is along West coast of India bordering the Arabian Sea and the remaining portion is along East coast along the Bay of Bengal. In order to understand the physical process of sediment dynamics in detail, the entire coast has been divided into five segments along the east coast and one segment along the west coast.

 Ennore to Cuddalore (inclined at about 15o- with respect to North)  Poompuhar to Point Calimere (inclined at about 2o- with respect to North)  Palk strait (sheltered huge bay)  Gulf of Mannar (sheltered, dominated by coral rocks)

Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu Sl no Site 1 Pulicat 2 Ennore 3 Royapuram 4 Marina-Chennai 5 Foreshore estate 6 Besant nagar 7 Kovalam 8 Mahabalipuram 9 Cuddalore 10 Port nova 11 Poompuhar 12 Tranquebar 13 Nagapattinam 14 Velankanni 15 Vedaranyam

16 Point Calimere

17 Ammapattinam

18 Rameswaram

19 Keelkarai

20 Valinokkam

21 Thiruchendur

22 Manappad 23 Periathalai 24 Idinthakarai 25 Kannyakumari Figure: 1 Sites in East coast of Tamil Nadu

Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu

ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREA

A coastal eco-system usually consist of salt marshes, mangroves, wetlands, estuaries, reefs, and bays linked glued to physical, chemical, and biological interchanges above and below the water. A coastal eco- system is usually rich in nutrients, highly productive, and serves as a natural intersection between the human and natural world. Preserving a coastal ecosystem although, difficult is very essential, as it provides a broad range of benefits to humans. They even at certain locations serve as buffers against the ingress due to storms and also as water filters. They are breeding grounds for a variety of habitats for commercially important plants and animals. They are among the most popular tourist destinations at certain locations. The coastal eco-systems are quite sensitive to changes to environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature, salinity, nutrient availability, or sediment load many times leading to adverse impacts. The changes aforesaid could be due to nature or man-made.

Effect of shoreline change on turtle nesting site

Increase in sea level leading to coastal inundation and coastal erosion will result in a reduction in the area of nesting for the turtles and in particular the female turtles are believed to abandon nesting. This may be due to inaccessibility, lighting and disturbances during nesting, vegetation clearing and erosion of sand and hence the coast become unfavorable in cases where nesting had taken place, and also there are chances for the nests to be washed away during the high tide. This is quite serious in preserving the neutrality of the coast. In such locations hard measures could be avoided as far as possible and soft measures only if deemed necessary could preferably be of submerged type. The solutions however, will be site specific.

The usually adopted rubble mound sea walls if laid along the nesting beaches can serve as a hindrance and would prevent the sea turtles from continuing their life cycles. Rubble mound structures directly threaten sea turtles by reducing or degrading suitable nesting habitat. Beach nourishment may have negative impacts on the sea turtle nesting if the sand is too compacted for turtles to nest in or if the sand imported is drastically different from native beach sediments, thereby potentially affecting nest-site selection, digging behavior, incubation temperature and the moisture content of nests. Due to the above facts it is extremely difficult to protect such stretches of the coast. This needs a careful in-depth studies with ‘do nothing’ being the first option.

Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu

Effect of shoreline change on mangroves

Sea level rise will lead to retreat of mangrove vegetation towards land. The mangrove margin migrates landward due to stresses caused by a rising sea-level such as erosion resulting in weakened root structures and falling of trees, increased salinity, and too high a duration, frequency, and depth of inundation [Gilman et al (2007)]. Mangroves are functionally linked to neighboring coastal ecosystems, including sea grass beds, coral reefs, and upland habitat, although the functional links are not fully understood and henceforth all other ecosystem will also be affected once the mangroves get affected and vice versa. If the mangrove retreat towards land is not in pace with sea level rise, the mangrove area will start to reduce more rapidly than expected due to the above mentioned stresses.

Effect of shoreline change on Seagrass

In general, seagrass beds are intolerant of any activity that changes the sediment regime when the change is greater than the natural variation. The rise in sea level may have numerous implications for circulation, tidal amplitude, current and salinity regimes, coastal erosion and water turbidity, each of which could have major negative impacts on local seagrass performance. Sediment disturbance, siltation, erosion and turbidity resulting from coastal engineering have also been implicated in the decline of seagrass beds worldwide (Carlos M. Duarte et al 2004). Consequent impact on seagrass due the changes undergone by mangroves due to their functional link in the coastal ecosystem. Seagrass and tidal freshwater plants will be redistributed from existing habitats, including expanding inland. Increased water depth will reduce the amount of light reaching underwater seagrasses, directly reducing productivity of the affected plants.

Effect of shoreline change on mudflats and sand dunes

This type of coast consists of unconsolidated material, mainly sand, some pebbles and shells; it can be classified as a soft coast. It has a gentle seaward slope — known as dissipative beaches that have broad fine sand and gradually steep slopes at the backshore/foredunes. Its profile depends on wave form and energy and wind direction; hence, profiles can be adjusted to provide the most efficient means of dissipating incoming wave energy. This type of coast experiences short-term fluctuation or cyclic erosion — accretion and long-term assessment is needed to identify erosion as a problem here. Often accretion and dune rebuilding take much

Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu

Longer than erosional events and the beach has insufficient time to rebuild before the next erosive event occurs. Erosional features are a lowered beach face slope and the absence of a nearshore bar, berm and erosional scarps along the foredunes. Generally, erosion is a problem when the sand dunes completely lose their vegetation cover that traps wind-borne sediment during rebuilding, improves slope stability and consolidates the sand.

Ecologically sensitive area is the one, needs special protection because of its landscape, wildlife, special kind of eco-system or historical value. Coastal zone is a dynamic area with many cyclic processes owing to a variety of resources and habitats. Coastal plains and seas include the most taxonomically rich and productive ecosystems on the earth. Mangroves forests are over 20 times more productive than the average open ocean. Estuaries, salt marshes and coral reefs are 5 to 15 times higher. These enhanced rates of primary production result in an abundance of other life forms including species of commercial importance. Although occupying only 8% of the total surface, ecologically important areas account for 20- 25% of global plant growth. (Ramesh et al 2008). The ecologically sensitive areas are included under CRZ- I, where no activity is allowed. The ecologically sensitive areas along the Tamilnadu coast are,

 Pulicat Lake  Pichavaram  Vedaranyam, Muthupettai

Pulicat Lake

Pulicat lagoon, also called as lake of the Palar Basin, is the second largest lagoon on the east coast of India. The Pulicat lake is situated between 13°20’ and 13°40’N lat. and 80°14’ to 80°15’E long with its narrow (1–1.5 km) opening into the Bay of Bengal through the south-eastern margin near the Pulicat town which is 70 km north of Chennai.

Pulicat Lake is one of the good productive ecosystems in India. Several researchers have been reported the biodiversity details from this area. Chackoet al. (1953) have given the first exhaustive account of the biodiversity of the Pulicat Lake and it has been classical benchmark for the biodiversity of the Pulicat Lake for a long time (Sanjeeva Raj, 1997, 2003, 2006). Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu

Location of Pulicat Lake

According to the Forest Department records, Pulicat Lake is Birds Sanctuary, lying along the Tamil Nadu - Andhra Pradesh part; part extending to Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary has an area of 321 Km2 with 108 Km2 of National Park area. About 60 to 80 thousand water birds, belonging to about 50 species visit the lake, every winter. Today, about 78-80 species of water birds are counted during the winter, on this lake. There are several ecological problems that these migrant birds are facing on the northern Pulicat Lake, chief among them is the lack of water for a longer duration.

Ecological crises facing the Pulicat Lake

Impact of lake-mouth closure

The inlet opening of the lake is a major determining factor for the hydrology, biodiversity and fisheries in this lake, tends to get narrower and shallower during the post-monsoon months (January to September), chiefly due to the accretion of sand, resulting in the formation of a sand-bar across the inlet. As a result, the impact of the ebb (low) and flood (high) tides in the lake tends to be feeble. This has major consequences on the biodiversity and fisheries in this lake. If the sand-bar closes up the lake-mouth completely, as it happened during some severe summers, the lake water gets impounded, gets subjected to evaporation and reaches hyper saline levels. (Thirunavukkarasu et al. 2011)

Annexure V Abstract of the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Management Plan of Tamil Nadu SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLAN

There exists an indispensable requirement for sustainable development and preservation of natural resources in the coastal zone. There are several examples that unplanned, uncoordinated and uncontrolled developments in the fragile coastal zone which have led to destruction of natural resources as well as unsuccessful development. The coastline may be viewed as a series of inter-linked physical systems, consisting of both offshore and onshore elements. Sediments move around the coast by waves and currents in a series of linked systems. The sediments move from it sources such as eroding cliffs and rivers to sea bed by coastal processes to sediment sinks such as beaches, estuaries or offshore sinks. Along a particular coastal stretch, these processes bring linked changes, i.e., changes in one stretch may lead to an adjustment in other stretches. This is the background for the development of the concept of integrated shoreline management plan.

Need for Shoreline Management Plan (SMP)

 The purpose of Shoreline Management Planning is to identify the resources and assets in the coastal area at present and foresee changes in the future that minimize negative consequences from the interaction between the various interests, i.e., tourist and economic development, coastal protection, natural dynamics etc.  The aim of a Shoreline Management Plan is to provide the basis for the implementation of overall sustainable shoreline strategies – a management strategy – for a well-defined region and to set the frame work for the future management of conflicts in the coastal area.  The plan shall be based on a strategic assessment of conditions within the plan area rather than detailed studies of individual sites. To implement the plan, detailed scientific study is a must.  All types of coasts cannot be treated equally for management/regulatory measures.  Hence, natural geographic segmentation of coast with self-contained sedimentation processes assumes importance for management of coastal environment.  Hence, a Shoreline Management Plan normally covers an area along the coast where either a need for shore protection emerges or the plan of industrial/ tourism development. The first and foremost information to be collected is to identify a constrained region within which any impact due to such developments might occur. This region is described as a sediment cell. A sediment cell is a section of the coastline in which the physical processes are relatively independent from processes operating in adjacent sediment cells.