EFI founder Arun Krishnamoorthy briefing Pallavaram MLA J. Kamatchi during a recent inspection of the restoration works at Pozhichalur Thangal. Social activist V. Santhanam is also seen.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Pozhichalur Thangal, a twin-pond system that had suffered years of garbage dumping, sewage inflow, and neglect, has been restored by the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), an NGO engaged in habitat restoration and conservation, providing a fresh lease of life to a key waterbody in Pozhichalur near Pammal.The restoration, carried out under the ‘Blue-Green Chengalpattu’ initiative, involved the removal of more than 11 tonnes of garbage and debris, desilting of the ponds, and measures to improve groundwater recharge and biodiversity. According to the EFI, this has increased the waterbody’s storage capacity to more than 8.6 crore litres.Restoration measuresEFI founder Arun Krishnamoorthy said restoration of the seven-acre south pond began in September 2025, while work on the four-acre north pond was completed by March this year. The remaining works would be completed shortly, he said.The project included the removal of garbage and invasive vegetation, desilting, construction of dual embankments, installation of recharge structures, and creation of nesting islands for birds.“Large quantities of garbage and accumulated silt were removed. Sewage inlets were blocked, and invasive weeds cleared. It was a challenging task,” Mr. Krishnamoorthy said.The excavated silt was used to strengthen bunds around the ponds and create five nesting islands. Fencing has also been erected to prevent fresh dumping of waste, he said.
