மக்கள் தொகை அதிகரிப்பு காரணமாக தண்ணீரின் தேவை அதிகரித்துள்ளது. நமது அன்றாடச் செயல்பாடுகளைத் தொடரவும், நாம் உண்ணும் உணவை வளர்க்கவும், இயற்கை வாழ்விடங்களைப் பாதுகாக்கவும் தண்ணீரைச் சேமிக்க வேண்டும். இத்தேவையை உணர்ந்து E.F.Iயுடன் இணைந்து நம் நீர் நிலைகளை காப்பாற்றுங்கள்.
Tamil Nadu Needs its Ponds
The below pie chart is based on the report released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on India’s water bodies with a census conducted in 2018-2019.
This data shows that 35.8% of Tamil Nadu’s water bodies consist of ponds. While ponds may seem like small bodies of water, they are vital ecosystems that offer numerous benefits to humans and wildlife. They are crucial in combating climate change by acting as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater and reducing flood risks. Additionally, ponds are biodiversity hotspots that support a variety of plant and animal life.
The Water Wealth of Erode
Erode is filled with naturally diverse regions such as hills, plains, rivers, forests and evergreen fields. Blessed with abundant water. The three major rivers of Erode are the Cauvery, Bhavani and Noyyal rivers. The agricultural activity in the district is well supported by the rivers Cauvery and Bhavani.
Known as the “yellow city”, Erode is among the largest producers of turmeric. The city of Erode has a thriving economy with textile industries, specializing in handloom and knitwear. Unfortunately, textile dyeing, bleaching, and other manufacturing processes generate massive quantities of toxic effluents, which are often dumped directly into these rivers. The Noyyal River has become a dark spot due to excessive industrial pollution from textile units in Erode, Tirupur and Karur districts.
Take a look at the Noyyal River flowing with a thick, dark sludge and frothing foams:
Restoration of The Aali Kulam
The Aali Kulam has a perimeter of 300 meters and is situated in the Perundurai taluk of Erode district. The pond is surrounded by farm fields and a road runs in its southern direction. The pond receives its water supply from a nearby canal and is bordered by dense trees on all sides. The vast cavity in this region creates a natural stagnation as rainwater flows from the nearby elevated areas. Because of this massive influx, the silt from the elevated region has been deposited in the pond, while reducing its water storage capacity.
As part of an effort to add a blue tint to the yellow city of Erode,
E.F.I took on the task of restoring Aali Kulam.
| Restoration Process | E.F.I’s Intervention |
| De-weeding | 3.5 tonnes of weeds were removed from an area of 260 meters. |
| Desilting | 270 meters of area was desilted with an average depth of 1 meter. |
| Embankment creation | Dual embankments were constructed and sloped. Average top width = 11 feet Average height = 13 feet |
| Trench Canals | 2 trenches were made with an average depth of 10 ft. |
| Nesting islands | 6 islands were created to improve biodiversity in the region. |
Due to the construction of embankments 120 meters in length on two sides and a 60-meter-long embankment on one side, the pond is shaped like a triangle. Unlike the traditional circular or rectangular ponds, Aali Kulam boasts of its unique triangular shape, offering a refreshing change to the local landscape.
Together Towards Blue-Green Erode
Aali Kulam is now devoid of invasive weeds and has a levelled bed to help it store water. With enhanced embankments and six nesting islands that comprise native trees, the pond is waiting for the monsoons to be filled with water. Post monsoons, Aali Kulam is sure to become a thriving aquatic ecosystem that attracts local flora and fauna.
While eagerly waiting for the monsoon season, take a look at the E.F.I restored Sungai Lake.
Watch our documentary on Aadi Perukku to learn about the Cauvery River festival.
Volunteer for Erode and her Environment with E.F.I