Situated along the East Coast Road (ECR) in Thiruvidandai, the 17-acre Jeeyar Eri serves as a vital freshwater lifeline nestled between the Great Salt Lake to the west and the Bay of Bengal to the east. Over time, severe silt accumulation, dense infestations of invasive vegetation like Prosopis juliflora and water hyacinth, and deteriorating embankments severely compromised the lake’s storage capacity and ecological integrity. To safeguard regional water security and counter coastal saltwater intrusion, the Environmentalist Foundation of India (E.F.I.), in partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank, executed a comprehensive, eco-engineered restoration of Jeeyar Eri.

Through targeted interventions—including the excavation of 47,348 cum of silt, clearing of pervasive weed infestations, creation of 1,381 meters of reinforced embankments, and installation of 945 meters of protective perimeter fencing—the restoration of Jeeyar Eri successfully reinstated the lake’s natural bathymetry and hydrological function. By repurposing excavated silt into habitat-rich nesting islands, the project not only expanded rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge capacity but also revived native biodiversity. This joint initiative stands as a sustainable blueprint for coastal wetland conservation, securing vital freshwater resources for Thiruvidandai’s agricultural and domestic needs for years to come.