Nallathanni Theevu

Nalla Thanni Theevu (Tamil: நல்ல தண்ணி தீவு) is an island situated in the Gulf of Mannar about 4 kilometers south-east of the coast of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the three uninhabited islands in the Gulf of Mannar the others being Krusadai Island and Muyal Island.^[1] It forms a part of the Kadaladi taluk of Ramanathapuram district.

Nalla Thanni Theevu

Native name: நல்ல தண்ணி தீவு
Geography
Coordinates	9.10667°N 78.57885°E / 9.10667; 78.57885
Area	1.01 km2 (0.39 sq mi)
Highest elevation	11.9 m (39 ft)
Administration
India
State	Tamil Nadu
District	Ramanathapuram
Taluk	Kadaladi taluk

Geography

Nallathanni Island is situated in the Gulf of Mannar, at coordinates 9°06'28.80"N, 78°34'48.36"E, within Tamil Nadu's jurisdiction. The island is relatively small, covering an area of approximately 2 square kilometers, and is surrounded by shallow waters that teem with marine life.

The island is notable for its availability of fresh water, which can be accessed at a shallow depth of about 5 meters. This rare feature gives the island its Tamil name, "Nallathanni," meaning "good water." The surrounding waters are also part of the ecologically significant Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity.

Cultural Significance

At the heart of Nallathanni Island lies a temple dedicated to Lord Muneeswaran, a revered deity in Tamil Nadu. This temple reflects the spiritual and cultural connection that local communities have with the island, despite it being uninhabited. Pilgrims occasionally visit the island to pay homage to the deity, especially during special occasions and festivals.

The presence of this temple indicates the island's historical importance as a site of religious worship and cultural heritage.

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Ecological Importance

Nallathanni Island is part of the Gulf of Mannar, a globally recognized marine biodiversity hotspot. The region supports various endangered and endemic species, including coral reefs, dugongs, and sea turtles. The island itself provides a crucial habitat for migratory birds, making it a potential site for birdwatchers and conservationists.

The availability of fresh water on the island has contributed to the presence of lush vegetation, which supports its local ecosystem. However, due to its small size and fragile environment, the island remains largely untouched by human activities.

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Uninhabited Yet Valuable

Despite its natural resources and cultural significance, Nallathanni Island remains uninhabited. This is primarily due to its remote location and the need to preserve its delicate environment. The island’s untouched nature adds to its allure, attracting researchers studying freshwater availability on small islands and its impact on local ecosystems.

Efforts to conserve Nallathanni Island are crucial, given its ecological role in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve and its cultural significance to nearby communities.

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Future Prospects

With increasing interest in sustainable tourism and conservation, Nallathanni Island holds potential for eco-tourism initiatives. Any development on the island would need to balance environmental preservation with cultural and educational outreach, ensuring that its natural and historical treasures are safeguarded for generations to come.

References

• Islands portal

1. P. S. Ramakrishnan (2002). Traditional ecological knowledge for managing biosphere reserves in South and Central Asia. Oxford & IBH Pub. Co. p. 478. ISBN 978-81-204-1544-7.