The village of Pappankuzhi is located in the Sriperumbudur Block of Kanchipuram District in Tamil Nadu. The village is home to approximately 700-800 families. While farming has traditionally been the main source of livelihood, many villagers have turned to alternative jobs due to dwindling profits in agriculture.

The villagers has been facing a severe water crisis, relying on Thenneri Lake for their needs. In response, E.F.I had initiated efforts to support the villagers and enhance agricultural development by restoring Rajanthangal Lake in Pappankuzhi.

Our ongoing efforts now focus on revitalizing two more water bodies in the village: Karumaan Kuttai and Vadathangal.

Vadathangal

Vadathangal, covering an expansive area of 11 acres, is situated among agricultural fields. Unfortunately, this vital water resource had been severely infested by invasive weed species, which degraded its water quality.

Invasive weeds and thorny shrubs grew rampantly around the lake’s periphery. These fast-growing weed species outcompete native plants and hinder their growth. To protect the growth of native species, 0.5 acres of these weeds were removed.

To remove silt accumulation, 2 acres have been desilted in 1 meter depth. By excavating silt, the process aims to enhance the lake’s ability to support aquatic life and promote groundwater recharge.

The silt removed during this process is repurposed to strengthen the lake’s bunds. A foreshore bund extending 242 m and offshore bund extending 318 m has been made to help prevent localized flooding and ensure the lake retains water effectively.

1 nesting island has been constructed to serve as a secure habitat for various species and provide safe areas for nesting and foraging. Additionally, 2 recharge pits have been constructed to ensure that the lake remains a viable water source even during dry periods.

Furthermore, an inlet trench has been regulated, which is crucial for managing water flow into the lake. Proper regulation helps to optimize water levels and maintain the ecological balance necessary for supporting both aquatic life and local agricultural needs.

Fencing has been erected for about 740 meters across the lake’s periphery to prevent littering and deter illegal encroachments.

Through these restoration efforts, E.F.I has successfully revitalized Vadathangal and enhanced its ecological functionality while supporting the agricultural community that relies on this vital water body. Restoration efforts such as deweeding, desilting, constructing nesting islands and recharge wells has improved the lake’s water quality and enhanced groundwater levels in the region.

Karumaan Kuttai

Spanning over 3.2 acres, Karumaan Kuttai is located to the north of E.F.I restored Rajanthangal Lake. The pond is surrounded by agricultural fields and is a crucial source of water. However, due to a lack of proper maintenance, the pond was taken over by invasive weed species and lost its habitat characteristics. 

E.F.I has initiated restoration efforts to revive the ecological health of Karumaan Kuttai. To begin, we have installed fencing around the periphery of the pond. This fencing serves to clearly demarcate the pond’s boundaries, preventing encroachments and protecting it from littering.

The following efforts were taken by E.F.I: 1 acre deweeded, 0.9 acres desilted for 1.5 ft depth and 293 meters of bund strengthened. Fencing for 493 metres have been installed to protect the pond’s periphery.

Through these comprehensive restoration efforts, E.F.I has increased the pond’s water holding capacity and improved groundwater recharge in the region. These measures support local wildlife and provide a sustainable water source for the agricultural community, thereby creating a harmonious relationship between nature and farming practices.

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