The ‘Aqua Paradise’ of kanyakumari District

Kanyakumari District is a beautiful place situated at the southern tip of peninsular India. Surrounded by seas on three sides and fanned by the breeze, the district enjoys tropical climate all round the year. It is here that the Western Ghats terminate in a spectacular area of hills, low lands, ponds and seacoast. The district covers an area of about 685 Sq km. The major part of the district consists of low land plains with numerous large and small tropical fresh water ponds.

Traveling from Nagercoil (the district’s head quarters) in any direction one finds lush green paddy fields and cool ponds – a paradise of aquatic flora and fauna. These wetlands (Ponds and surrounding areas) provide favorable ecological facilities like food, feeding habitat, shelter and even breeding site for various aquatics birds. Hence they form an attractive habitat for native birds and a haven of rest for migratory species. Birds are found all round the year. More that 40 species of birds can be identified in these wet land habitats.

These wet lands also support numerous free floating, submerged and rooted plants. Numerous varieties of valuable fish and invertebrate fauna also find an abode here. Thus the ecological balance is well maintained.

In addition to the scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, these ponds are vital in maintaining the micro climate of the region. They help to maintain the underground water table and prevent the seepage of sea water. They serve as means of irrigation for the surrounding paddy felds, coconut and banana plantations.

During the recent times the ecological integrity and the beauty of the wet lands are threatened. Due to neglect, failure to desilt, encroachment and increasing of urbanization these wet lands face the problem of being filled and converted into shopping complexes bus stands and stadium.

It is said in the BIBLE
“He (God) places springs in the valleys- and streams that gush from mountains
they give water to all the animals….and the birds nest beside them and sing” Psalm 104:10-12

This rich ecological system is a bounteous gift from our benign creator .Let not the mean materialism of man convert this beautiful aqua paradise to a concrete jungle.