Kelambakkam, once a thriving natural haven in Chennai’s southeast – known for its birdlife, farmlands, backwaters, and water bodies, is now rapidly urbanizing. As thousands move in each year, roads widen and apartment complexes replace open land. Meanwhile, lakes and wetlands shrink under pressure from real estate. This once-biodiverse paradise now stands on the verge of losing its ecological soul.

With successful restoration of Kelambakkam Vannan Eri, Vannan Kulam, Thazhanthangal Pond, Poonthangal Lake and Milakathamman Lake.

E.F.I in collaboration with The Chengalpattu District Administration and CAMS took on the task of restoring The Kelambakkam Periya Kuttai.

Project: Periya Kuttai
Location: Kelambakkam, Chengalpattu
Donor: CAMS
Administrative partner: Chengalpattu District Administration
Execution: Environmentalist Foundation of India – E.F.I

Periya Kuttai, located in the heart of this rapidly growing suburb, is a paradise lost to the effects of the Anthropocene. Over the years, it has suffered from relentless garbage dumping including cloth waste, medical waste, slaughterhouse byproducts, plastics, and more. Adding to this is the continuous inflow of sewage from surrounding residential buildings. The pond is also experiencing nutrient-rich silt deposition, which reduces its water storage capacity and accelerates eutrophication. Encroachments on all sides, along with the spread of invasive weeds, have further degraded this once-pristine freshwater gem.

The restoration began with an ongoing battle to dewater the pond — a task that had to be repeated multiple times as relentless monsoon rains delayed progress for several seasons. Once the pond was fully dewatered, all sewage inlets from nearby residential buildings were identified and effectively blocked. Invasive weeds such as Prosopis juliflora, which had taken root along the embankments, were completely removed. Surface-level garbage and legacy waste were also cleared from the water body.

Given that this lake lies in a flood-prone area, increasing its storage capacity was a crucial step in the restoration process. Excess silt, ranging from 1 to 1.5 meters in depth, was excavated from the lakebed, and five recharge pits were established during the desilting process to enhance groundwater percolation. The removed silt was then used to reinforce and strengthen the embankments of the water body. To reduce human interference and prevent further pollution, protective fencing was installed along the roadside perimeter of the pond.

Urban water bodies act as natural flood buffers, recharge groundwater aquifers, and regulate local temperatures, providing much-needed climate adaptation in densely populated areas. They serve as biodiversity hotspots, supporting a range of flora and fauna, and offer vital green spaces for urban communities to connect with nature. Moreover, healthy water bodies improve the quality of life for residents.

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