In and around Pulicat, the palm tree is a constant presence–be it in the crafts of the region, or just standing tall, protecting the Pulicat lagoon from ecological erosion.
Pulicat, or Pazhaverkadu, an erstwhile Dutch settlement about 60 kms to the north of Chennai, is named after the saltwater lagoon that is to the north of the town. It’s primarily a fishing town, and the introduction of palm leaf crafts has revitalized the economy of the place. Palm leaf crafts are naturally sustainable products and are great sustainable gifting options. AARDE is an organization working for the promotion and conservation of natural and built-heritage of Pulicat Lagoon since 2007 and has been instrumental in promoting palm leaf products, with an eye on conservation. This has been a unique feature of the Pulicat weavers, who do not take more orders than the ecosystem can take. In contrast, a few other areas where palm leaf products are made in Tamil Nadu, including Manapad, find it difficult to balance ecology and economy.
The majority of the weavers of Pulicat are women. While the men harvest the leaves, the women cut them into sheaths, dry and dye them, and weave them into contemporary products.