Pandeshwaram village, located near the Outer Ring Road in Thiruvallur district, is a peaceful community surrounded by farmland, interconnected lake systems, traditional brick kilns, and a quiet environment that stands apart from the noise and congestion of the city. Water bodies play a vital role in this area, as agriculture is the primary livelihood. These water sources also support a rich variety of local flora and fauna.
Three significant ponds Kodivali Pond, Perumal Kovil Pond, and Kalignar Nagar Pond are located around Pandeshwaram village. They serve as essential rainwater catchment areas and act as sources of water for domestic use and agricultural activities. Additionally, they contribute to the local ecosystem by providing habitats for various species and enhancing groundwater recharge.
Over time, due to neglect and lack of regular maintenance, all three ponds began to deteriorate. Garbage and invasive weeds took over the peripheries, excessive silt deposits reduced their storage capacities, and the weakened embankments compromised their structural stability. These factors significantly reduced their ability to store water and support the surrounding ecosystem.
In an effort to restore these valuable water bodies, E.F.I., in collaboration with the Tiruvallur District Administration and CAMS, initiated a comprehensive restoration project. The goal was to revitalize the ponds into thriving natural habitats and dependable water resources for both the local community and wildlife.
The restoration efforts included removal of invasive weeds, desilting, strengthening and rebuilding embankments, creation of nesting islands, and installation of protective fencing. These initiatives have helped restore the ponds to a healthy and sustainable state, reinforcing their importance to the region’s environmental and agricultural well-being.
On April 23rd, in celebration of Earth Day, we inaugurated the restored Pandeshwaram ponds with a seed ball plantation activity and a lake walk alongside the CAMS team to better understand the ecological significance of these water bodies.
We thank the Tiruvallur District Administration and CAMS for supporting this restoration.
#BlueGreenTiruvallur #TogetherTowardsTomorrow #WhateverToWaterForever
Check out all that happened during this restoration!
E.F.I and CAMS share a long-standing partnership focused on restoring lakes and ponds, as well as developing urban afforestation sites over the past several years.
Volunteer for India and her Environment with E.F.I