NE ENVIRONMENT BUREAU
CHENNAI, MAR 14
A lake spread over 15-acre near the Pitchandikulam Forest has been restored and rejuvenated under the ‘Project Nanneer’ in Tiruvallore district recently. Tata Communications in association with Pitchandikulam Forest officials restored and rejuvenated the Nagan Thangal Lake under its CSR programme.
Restoration of the lake helps effective groundwater recharge and provide access to safe drinking water for the local community in Upparapalayam, Pothur village Tiruvallore district near Chennai. The project focusses on the restoration work which includes lake deepening, plantation of indigenous trees, shrubs, reeds, setting up of landforms, such as bird islands to attract and enhance the biodiversity. The project benefits around 12,000 people, of which 60 per cent are from marginalised communities in its neighbourhood.
The lake, spread over 15 acres has been desilted to a depth of 1.5 m in 4 acres. Recent rain has contributed to 1,00,000 cubic meters of fresh water storage in the lake, helping it reach its full capacity.
Tata Communications believes in integrating action on climate change, biodiversity, water, and energy into community initiatives, and creating partnerships that promote ecological restoration and regeneration. The Nanneer project is one such initiative to serve the community.
Over 4000 indigenous tropical dry evergreen forest trees and shrubs have been planted around the lake leading to increased biodiversity in the area. In addition, insects, birds and small animals have found a new home, giving a boost to the flora and fauna in the region. Interestingly, it has been noticed that even migratory birds such as Pintail, Common Teal, Common Coot, Marsh Sandpiper, etc. have started visiting the water body.
Blue Green Centre inaugurated
Tata Communications on Monday (March 13, 2023) inaugurated the “Blue Green Centre’’, a knowledge and learning facility, where the lake’s history, local landscape, all details of the restoration project are showcased to spread the awareness of the initiative and promote many more of such projects.
The project is connected to the Schools in Action for the Planet project supported by Tata Communications to encourage environment education and action for learners in government schools in Ambattur area, Chennai. School children from 32 government and under-privileged schools (approx 3000 students) have access and the opportunity to know more about the restoration details closely.
Over 400 Tata Communications employees volunteered and clocked over 1600 man hours for the restoration of the lake.
