Pulicat Lake, Saltwater lagoon in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, India
Pulicat Lake is a brackwater lagoon on the coast of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu that spans two states. The shallow water body connects to the Bay of Bengal through a narrow opening and forms a sprawling system of islands and channels.
European traders arrived in the 16th century and built trading posts along its shores. The Dutch later constructed Fort Geldria and controlled commerce in the region for more than a century.
Local fishing communities practice the Padu system, allocating specific grid areas for rotation-based fishing to maintain sustainable resource management.
The area can be reached via National Highway 16 from Chennai, with nearby railway stations offering connections. The Buckingham Canal runs parallel to the lagoon and provides additional access points along the shore.
The lagoon produces both salt and prawns in its shallow waters, making it a place where salt harvesting and fishing coexist. During winter months, migratory birds like flamingos and pelicans arrive and turn the water into a temporary bird sanctuary.
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