Theethampatti is a small village located in the northern part of Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) District, Tamil Nadu. Known for its harsh summers and scarce rainfall, this region is dotted with interconnected water bodies, seasonal streams, and rivers. It is also surrounded by farmlands, vast open grasslands, and lakes, all of which were historically established to capture and store rainwater from the rare monsoons for future use.
Located in the Theethampatti village, Periyakulam is one of the most vital water bodies in the region. Surrounded by farmlands and bordered by a growing residential neighborhood to the north, this lake has long served as a crucial source of irrigation for the local agrarian community.
But like many traditional water bodies across the country, Theethampatti Periyakulam began to suffer from neglect. As urbanization picked up pace and age-old water management practices faded into the past, the community’s connection with the lake weakened. What followed was years of garbage dumping, excessive growth of invasive weeds, and heavy silt accumulation. These issues drastically reduced the lake’s water-holding capacity and disrupted the delicate balance of its ecosystem.
E.F.I took on the task of reviving this water body with
administrative support from the Thoothukudi District Administration.
Garbage that had been dumped along the periphery of the lake was completely removed. Over 5 tons of invasive weeds, including Ipomoea carnea and Prosopis juliflora, were uprooted and cleared from the lake ecosystem to promote the growth of native trees and plants. Around 5 acres of the lake area were desilted to a depth of 4 feet. The removed silt was used to create 644 meters of foreshore embankment, improving the lake’s structural integrity and clearly demarcating its boundaries in the foreshore region.
Additionally, recharge pits, nesting islands, and native tree plantations are being established to enhance water retention capacity and promote biodiversity in and around the lake.
Theethampatti Periyakulam, with its vibrant red soil, deepened lakebed, strengthened embankments, recharge pits, and nesting islands, is now ready to store more water
than ever before, supporting the surrounding farmlands, native flora, and thriving fauna.
Volunteer for India and her Environment with E.F.I