Chennai: Destruction of Coral Reefs Raises Tsunami Fears
Source: IBN Live
May 23, 2012
"CHENNAI : Chennai has become vulnerable to tsunamis and cyclones following the destruction of coral reefs, which are nature’s defence against such disasters, said director of the Zoological Survey of India K Venkatraman.
Speaking on the sidelines of a function organised to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity he told City Express that Chennai had been rendered vulnerable by the destruction of the city’s coral reefs that acted as a protective barrier. “Coral reefs, also known as the rain forests of the seas, are the frontline protectors followed by mangroves, which Chennai does not have. And that is the reason why the city was affected by the tsunami and had such high casualties when the cyclone hit the coast,” said Venkatraman.
S Balaji, chief conservator of forests and trust director of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust, said that the tsunami did not impact the Gulf of Mannar as much as it affected Chennai since the region was shielded by coral reefs and mangroves. He added that Cuddalore, whose coral reefs have been destroyed, was also badly hit."
To read the full text of the article, click here.