By Xavier Benedict (04 October 2024).

The Netherlands Consul General to India, Mr. Ewout de Wit, based in Bangalore, visited the Pulicat village on 28-Aug-2024. It was his keen interest to know about Pulicat maritime history and its heritage that he visited the village. Architect Xavier Benedict, who has been maintaining the Pulicat Interpretation Centre since 2009, briefed the Consul General about the first Dutch administrative centre since 1602 till 1799. And also explained about the importance of the lagoon and its riverine ecosystem to the Southeast Coast of India. After the COVID lockdown, this is the first visit of the Dutch diplomat to Pulicat. It shows the importance of the place and its importance for maritime heritage.

Pulicat Lagoon covers an area of 759 sq. km., which is three times the size of Amsterdam city. Unlike the Western Ghats of India, the southeast coast of India depends on the wetland to attract monsoon clouds. AARDE (Art & Architecture Research Development and Education) Foundation, which is a registered NGO, is actively involved in the conservation of the lagoon. The NGO was founded in 2007 by Architect Xavier Benedict, who has been systematically establishing a holistic ecosystem to bring positive changes to the lagoon and three rivers that recharge the brackish wetlands. The foundation has been empowering more than 290 women through Palm Leaf handicrafts last one decade.

The Dutch diplomatic office based in New Delhi regularly visits the Pulicat village. Since 2009, three diplomats have visited the village and Pulicat Interpretation Centre. On 28-Aug-2024, the Netherlands Consul General to India, Mr. Ewout de Wit, based in Bangalore, visited the Pulicat. It was his keen interest to know about Pulicat maritime history and its heritage that he visited the village. Architect Xavier Benedict, who has been maintaining the Pulicat Interpretation Centre since 2009, briefed the Consul General about the first Dutch administrative centre since 1602 till 1799. And also explained about the importance of the lagoon and its riverine ecosystem to the Southeast Coast of India. After the COVID lockdown, this is the first visit of the Dutch diplomat to Pulicat. It shows the importance of the place and its importance for maritime heritage.