Thiruvidandai is a coastal village in south Chennai situated along the East Coast Road. The village lies towards the east of Muttukadu Backwaters. The Cheppan Kuttai in Thiruvidandai is a 2.6 acre pond situated amidst agricultural fields and residential buildings. It is located towards the west of NH 49 and east of the Great Salt Lake. 

North of Cheppan Kuttai are Pidari Kuttai and Kallu Kuttai restored by E.F.I. These water bodies, located just 700 meters from the coastline, have been rejuvenated to serve as vital water resources for the local community. 

But that’s not all! E.F.I. has also revitalized the nearby Jeeyar Eri. Be sure to check out its inspiring story as well!

Cheppan Kuttai serves as a vital irrigation source for the surrounding region. The pond has two inlets and an outlet channel connecting to Jeeyar Eri, ensuring a steady water supply for local agricultural activities. However, due to excessive growth of weeds, the pond was in a deteriorated condition.

To restore the pond’s ecological health, a comprehensive restoration process was undertaken. The initial efforts focused on removing invasive weed species, particularly Prosopis Juliflora, which is known for consuming excessive groundwater and its detrimental impact on native flora. Through meticulous deep root extraction, approximately 100 kilograms of these invasive weeds were removed to significantly improve the pond’s ecosystem.

To enhance the pond’s water retention capacity and prevent soil erosion, a strong embankment was constructed around its perimeter. This 380-meter-long embankment ensures the pond’s stability and contributes to the overall preservation of the surrounding ecosystem.

Pidari Kuttai, a pond next to Cheppan Kuttai, lacked an adequate outlet channel which led to stagnant water. To address this, two interlinking channels were constructed: one on the eastern side, spanning 50 meters, and another on the northern side, extending 55 meters. These channels facilitate water flow and improve drainage.

Fencing across the pond’s periphery was made to prevent illegal encroachments and to avoid littering.

Today, Cheppan Kuttai acts as a crucial water body that supports agriculture and fosters biodiversity in the region. E.F.I.’s restoration efforts have transformed the pond a into thriving ecosystem that proves beneficial to all lifeforms.

Volunteer for India and her Environment with E.F.I