Kovalam, located south of Chennai in the Chengalpattu District, is an ecologically, hydrologically, and socially significant stretch of coastline. The Buckingham Canal drains water from the inland lakes into the ocean here, at the Muttukadu estuary, forming a rich brackish-water ecosystem close to the city. Centuries ago, traders and settlers from Europe left their mark on this fishing village, the Dutch built its fort, the French ruled it for a time, and the British later reshaped it, each adding a chapter to Kovalam’s coastal story. Today, Kovalam continues to be a popular recreational destination for urban dwellers, offering a peaceful beach, seafood restaurants, scenic coastal roads, and much more.

Beyond its cultural and recreational importance, Kovalam’s coastline is also a thriving hotspot for wildlife, home to thousands of aquatic birds, mammals, crustaceans, reptiles, and more. Dotted along this coast are several freshwater bodies, each adding to the region’s ecological richness. Among them, Chetty Kulam stands out as a true freshwater gem amidst the vast saltwater expanse of the ocean.

Unfortunately, years of neglect and a gradual shift in public interest away from nature have diminished the importance of these water bodies. Garbage dumping, discarded clothes, lack of maintenance, weakening structural integrity, and the spread of invasive weeds have taken over these once-significant ecosystems, leaving them in a state of disrepair and decline.

To revive these precious habitats, E.F.I, in collaboration with the Chengalpattu District Administration, undertook the restoration of eight freshwater bodies along this coastline, working to protect and rejuvenate these pristine ecosystems.

Project: Chetty Kulam
Donor: Grundfos Pumps India Private Ltd.
Administrative partner: Chengalpattu District Administration
Execution: Environmentalist Foundation of India – E.F.I

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