The pristine Killai backwaters—also known as Pichavaram mangrove forest—are a few kilometres from the temple town of Chidambaram on India's east coast situated at the confluence of Kollidam (Coleroon) and Vellar rivers. The Pichavaram is the second largest mangrove forest in India, spanning an area of 1,470 hectares (Selvam et al 2003). Apart from its scenic beauty and ecological importance, the backwaters are the lifeline for communities living in about 20 hamlets located along it. MGR Nagar—home to the Irular—is one among them.