Date:15/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/06/15/stories/2005061501671700.htm

Back Grey area

K.K. Mustafah

A scene of mass reclamation of kole land as seen in suburban Thrissur. The kole wetlands with an area of 13,632 hectares and spread over the districts of Thrissur and Malappuram are facing severe threats.

The reclamation of wetlands for use as raw material in brick kilns and change in land-use pattern have resulted in the extinction of rare migratory birds. Paddy fields are being converted to cash crop plantations and the marshes filled for new constructions.