Under the Know Your Bioregion program, an awareness project organized by AuroVanam of SVARNIM Puducherry, a Mangrove Walk was held to raise awareness about Pondicherry’s mangroves. Originally planned for a group of 15, the walk saw an enthusiastic turnout of around 35 participants, including eager children from Pondicherry schools and Pondicherry University who had persistently requested to join. Fortunately, the facilitator, Ms. Sankaradevi, a school teacher with a remarkable ability to manage large groups, handled the situation with ease despite her petite stature.

The walk began along the Ariyankuppam River, near the wooden jetties of some Mangrove Boating Companies, an area unfortunately marred by pollution. At low tide, we observed the aerial roots, knee roots, and the crabs living among them. We encountered 4-5 mangrove species, some flowering and others in the early stages of seed formation. Ms. Sankaradevi also pointed out various smaller, mangrove-associated plants along the riverbank.

Participants spent time observing the activities of the crabs going about their daily business and spotted birds like pond herons and cormorants flying overhead. After a quick breakfast of idlis, bananas, and lemon juice, we biked across the river to explore other species of mangrove trees growing along the opposite bank. Our route took us through Arikamedu, an archaeological site with tall grasses and shrubs, with an abundance of beautiful butterflies; delighting both young and old walkers, as we learned about their life-cycle, their host plants and foraging habits.

Arriving at the riverbanks, we walked a narrow path to a small hilltop with a breath-taking view of the lagoon. Descending back to the bank, we spotted numerous tiny new born fishes swimming in the water. Mangroves serve as crucial breeding grounds for many marine species.

Although no one raised the issue, the most obvious problem was the pollution everywhere. The water smelled bad, the riverbanks were covered with plastic waste, and even the mudbanks in places were oozing streams of some foul-smelling liquid, which no doubt, was laden with pollutants and heavy metals from the untreated sewage running into the river.

The morning was truly enchanting, prompting reflections on the delicate balance of nature and our impact on it. We hope this walk will inspire conservation efforts and ideas to preserve the beauty and magic of Pondicherry’s mangroves.