Nature camp was conducted at Vedanthangal Birds Sanctuary for three days as a part of the Wetlands’ Day. More than 30 students participated in the event. Bird watching and cleaning activities are conducted along with rally and human chain events. • Students will be able to appreciate the importance of the wetlands and the activities are planned in such a way that they will also understand about the importance of birds and how wetlands like this play an important role in protection of the bird species.

Agaramthen Wetland which is a unique freshwater natural wetland spread over 84 hectare and 01.5 Ares in Agaramthen Village. The wetland ecosystem encompasses a very good Tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF) sacred grove patch and is home to: 1. 103 species of Terrestrial plants. 2. 43 species of Aquatic plants. 3. 72 species of Birds (both resident and migratory). 4. 33 species of butterflies. 5. 20 species of Odonates. 6. 19 species of native fishes. 7. 7 species of snakes. Agaramthen wetland is one of the last surviving natural wetland of Chennai, and an “urban biodiversity hotspot”. The endemic TDEF flora present in this wetland ecosystem is not found elsewhere and not recorded in other TDEF patches in Chengalpattu district.

Agaramthen wetland is a last surviving natural wetland, and an “urban biodiversity hotspot” in South Chennai region. The endemic TDEF flora present in this wetland ecosystem is not found elsewhere and not recorded in other TDEF patches in the district. Over 300 tribal families and local villagers directly depend on the wetland for fishing. The water from the wetland is used for irrigating agricultural fields with a total ayacut of 135.63 Hectares. Conserving this wetland by recognizing it under State wetland mission will greatly help to preserve the bio-diversity and the ecosystem services of the lake for the future generations.