Do you know that 24% of Tamil Nadu’s water our bodies don’t comprise water?
Based on the First Census of Water our bodies Report by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu is characterised by its various topography. The district’s main rivers, together with the Vaipar, Thamirabarani, and Karamanaiyar are ephemeral, flowing primarily throughout the monsoon season. Whereas the district boasts a wealthy water useful resource heritage, it additionally faces distinctive challenges resulting from its geographical traits.
The district faces issues similar to seawater intrusion, a phenomenon the place saltwater infiltrates freshwater aquifers. This contaminates consuming water and different very important water sources. Fast urbanization within the district has led to a rising improve within the demand for water.
Sankaraperi is a village situated within the north western a part of the Thoothukudi district. The Vellore-Thoothukudi Freeway runs by the village. Sankaraperi Pond, a 2.5-acre water physique, is situated within the central a part of Sankaraperi village. Two roads run alongside the pond’s northern and western boundaries, forming an L-shaped configuration.
The pond has two inlets in its northern and southern area. It acts as a catchment space in periods of rainfall. Nonetheless, over time, the Sankaraperi Pond had fallen right into a deteriorated state with compromised water-holding capability.
In an try to revive the water our bodies of Thoothukudi, E.F.I took on the duty of reviving the Sankaraperi Pond.
| Restoration Course of | E.F.I’s Intervention |
| Deweeding | Prosopis juliflora, Castor, Parthenium, Lantana camara, Ipomoea carnea, and Corchorous olitorious throughout 1 acre had been faraway from the pond space. |
| Desilting | Desilting for a mean depth of 1 ft was carried out to take away sediments from the pond’s floor. |
| Bund Creation | The peak and width of the bunds had been enhanced to enhance the water holding capability of the pond. East facet bund Peak- 20 ft East facet bund Width- 15 ft North and West Street facet bund Peak- 12 ft North and West Street facet bund Width- 8 ft |
| Recharge Pits | A recharge pit with a depth of 4 ft was made to seize and filter runoff in addition to to recharge groundwater. |
| Fencing | A fence of 8 ft top has been constructed alongside the street facet with 2 toes underground and 6 toes above floor to offer strong safety. |
Plantation of native saplings similar to neem and bamboo within the southwest boundary of the lake has been deliberate for the Sankaraperi Pond. Neem bushes, recognized for his or her drought resistance and medicinal properties, will assist purify the air and soil. Bamboo, with its quick development and excessive carbon sequestration capacity, will present extra environmental advantages and assist native biodiversity. Collectively, these crops will improve the pure panorama, contributing to the general well being and sustainability of the pond ecosystem.
Submit restoration, the Sankaraperi Pond is ready for the monsoons to be crammed up with water. As a restored water physique, the pond is bound to be an important water supply for the encompassing farm fields in Sankaraperi village.
Volunteer for India and her Setting with E.F.I
