Ongoing restoration work at Keelakaalvai, one of the channels linked to Kadambakulam in Thoothukudi district.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
In the words of Tamil saying “Kadalil Paadhi Kadamba,” kadambakulam, one of the largest tanks in Thoothukudi district is in the process getting a major facelift as the restoration work has begun.
The 1,835-acre tank serves the agricultural lands of over 5,000 acres in Eral, Alwarthirunagari and Tiruchendur regions, covering over 30 villages. As the waterbody is in dire need of restoration due to frequent breaches at various locations during monsoon and rampant sewage intrusion, the first phase of restoration has begun with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund of ₹25 lakh by Tekion Corp.
The project is being undertaken by Mega Foundations, planned for an extended period of three years, with different phases. The first phase has been planned to restore the 10 outlet irrigation channels, followed by strengthening of bunds, desilting of the tank and increasing the depth of the tank in the subsequent phases.
M.T. Guna, a farmer and president of Tamirabarani Water Users Association, highlighted that the tank has been serving as a major irrigation source for over 5,000 acres of agricultural lands in the region. “The tank sprawls across over 2,000 acres, which has subsided to 1,800 acres over a period of time, due to encroachments,” he added.
He further noted that the tank has not been desilted for the longest period of time, eventually falling prey to water hyacinths and sewage intrusion. The menace has also started affecting the outlet irrigation channels of the tank.
“Earlier the region used to have three season of paddy cultivation, which is now reduced to two seasons, even for which farmers are struggling to receive adequate water,” Mr. Guna mentioned.
He noted that the restoration of the tank and outlet channels will be beneficial for farmers and other residents in the region.
Nimal Raghavan, an environmentalist who works in restoration of water bodies across India and Africa from Mega Foundations said that currently they have planned the restoration of Kadambakulam for a period of three years. He added that the restoration work has begun in Keelakaalvai, an outlet channel in Thenthiruperai village.
Noting that obtaining permission had delayed the project Mr. Raghavan further stated that they have planned for restoration of the tank in summer times, when the water level decreases.
The work completely focuses on clearing of invasive species, strengthening of bunds, desilting of tank and increasing the capacity of the tank, he added.
Published – November 10, 2025 08:19 pm IST
