Woke up at 10.30AM on a fine Sunday morning. Heard a loud noise.Realized I forgot to switch off the TV last night.Searched for the remote.Found it under the cot and switched the TV off. Closed and opened the eyes peacefully.Thought of how to spend the day? The first decision was to have breakfast and continue watching the TV. Searched for the mobile to check WhatsApp. Found a message on one of the groups that someone is interested in going to Pulicat and those who want to join can ping him. Though I know the person who is little over enthusiastic decided to go with him which sounded better than staying tuned with the TV. Also thought of experimenting Manual mode on my camera.
11.30 AM the person picked me up and we were on the way to Pulicat. As mentioned earlier about the persons enthusiasm he said will try some other new route instead of the regular one..ie via NH5, We took SH56 (Thiruvotriyur – Ponneri – Panchetty Road) Noticed the board L& T Port Kattupalli Welcomes you.
Kattupalli Port is a division of L&T Shipbuilding Limited – a joint venture of Larsen & Toubro (a major multinational in technology, engineering, construction, manufacturing and financial services, with global operations) and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO).
The Kattupalli yard is mainly built for making warships and to augment the existing capacity at Hazira in Gujarat for sub-marines. A draft of up to 14 m and a waterfront exceeding 2.2 km makes the facility well suited to building large defense shipsAt the yard, encompassing 1,250 acres, L&T has also commissioned facilities to build offshore platforms, drilling rigs and FPSOs (floating production, storage and offloading unit), besides a minor port which can handle container ships.
Since it’s a secured and sensitive area, photography was prohibited. We moved ahead towards our destination of the day “ Pulicat” and reached there at 2.15PM. It was an adventurous drive via Roadless roads.
The Buckingham Canal runs alongside and as you approach the many kuppams in the north, the bays and the lake are a visual delight.
The moment you step there at Pulicat, you will not miss to see the massive garbage mounted around the parked boats is an eyesore and you will be tortured by boatmen offering a boat ride at sky-high rates.
The first thing that attracts us is the newly painted Light house, which was recently reopened to the public along with the other lighthouses that have been receiving huge patronage, in the city.
After a deep bargain settled with the boatman. Started feeling hungry and went inside the town to fill our stomach as the breakfast already got skipped. No decent hotels were available and have to settle with someone which was opened. Compromised with the available menu!
We boarded on to the boat which was quite big and easily accommodate 10-12 people there was some restrictions to load not more than 6-7 in a boat as a result of the mishap happened during Dec 2011.
Pulicat the second largest brackish – water lake or lagoon in India, after Chilika Lake.Flamingos – The migratory birds usually stay between September and March are the major attraction to this lake.
Images speaks the rest.
Pollution from sewage, pesticides, agricultural chemicals and industrial effluents are gradually becoming major threats. The domestic sewage forms a more diffuse input. Effluents and wastes from numerous fish processing units are also major sources of pollution. The oil spills from the mechanized boats are always a potential hazard. Drew back home with thoughts of how to save this wonderful nature…
The Pulicat Lake is under severe threat from pollution and garbage being dumped here recklessly. High time this place was developed as an eco-tourism project!
To read about my previous visit to Pulicat Click here
Great post..
Thanks a lots!