A group of citizens took on the responsibility of reviving a dying pond.
History: At least five generations of families have been nurtured by the Nalla Thaneer Kulam. A few decades ago, the pond was safe enough to drink from. Heavy encroachments have covered the pond’s inlet and outlet, leading to its degradation. A group of citizens joined hands with United Way of Chennai and F&B Symrise Pvt Ltd to bring it back to life.
- United Way worked with Symrise to restore the water body completely. They strengthened the pond’s bund, built a walkway, installed 24 solar lights, and set up benches.
- The restored pond was inaugurated by MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian. The residents continue to take care of it as part of a committee to ensure the pond thrives with biodiversity.
Who said what? Project Manager Gabriel Sundar Raj said an initial assessment of the pond showed it was a water source for the community. Since the outlets were closed, the rain was its only source. K Mangalam, a resident, said people now come to spend their evenings here, and it has become the pride of their neighbourhood.
(Image credits: United Way of Chennai’s Facebook page)