Gummidipoondi is a prominent industrial town in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. Situated about 45 kilometers from Chennai, Gummidipoondi connects various industrial hubs and residential areas, making it a crucial junction in the Chennai Metropolitan Region. 

The  Boys Town Pond is located in Gummidipoondi within the Rotary Club Madras Boys Town campus. Like many urban water bodies, this pond faced significant challenges that threatened its ecological balance and hydrological functioning. The following restoration efforts were undertaken by E.F.I to restore the Boys Town Pond.

Desilting and Dredging

One of the primary issues affecting Boys Town Pond was the accumulation of excessive silt in its watershed area. This silt accumulation not only reduced the pond’s water-holding capacity but also created undulations in the pond bed that led to poor groundwater percolation. E.F.I took on the task of desilting the pond for an average depth of 3 feet to improve its water-holding capacity and to increase ground water percolation.

Removal of Invasive Weeds
The growth of invasive weeds such as Prosopis juliflora on the periphery of the pond was a serious threat as it dominates the native plants and depletes groundwater. Removed all invasive weed species around the pond area which was a threat and planted native tree species around the bund structure.

Construction and Strengthening of Bunds

An interesting aspect of the desilting process was the repurposing of the excavated silt. The silt was used to construct bunds, which play a vital role in providing structural integrity to the water body. To further enhance this effort, the outer bund of the pond was raised by an additional 3 feet, resulting in an impressive 6-foot overall increase. This initiative not only enhances water retention but also helps prevent encroachments by clearly demarcating the pond’s boundaries.

Inlet and Outlet Regulation

The regulation of inlets and outlets of the waterbody was carried on. Deepening and widening of water channel located adjacent to the pond with a inlet and outlet system was created to improve water flow dynamics. This will help in collecting all runoff water properly and also ensure proper draining of the water through the outlet.

Through these efforts, Boys Town Pond has now been transformed into a thriving ecosystem. With its waters cleared of silt, strengthened bunds and regulated inlet and outlet, Boys Town Pond has embarked on a new chapter in its journey.

The initiatives by E.F.I highlight the significance of sustainable practices in restoration, especially through the repurposing of silt. As the pond thrives, it serves as a vital habitat and biodiversity hotspot for local flora and fauna.

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