Tata Communications Reviews Nagan Thangal Lake, Triples Water Capacity

Post by : Raina Nasser

Tata Communications has successfully revived Nagan Thangal Lake in Tamil Nadu’s Upparapalayam village, raising its water storage capacity from 2.6 million litres to 8.5 million litres. The restoration of Nagan Thangal Lake is part of the Project Nanneer initiative, launched in 2022 in partnership with Pitchandikulam Forest. This initiative has transformed the previously neglected 15.01-acre lake into a fully functioning ecosystem that now serves nearly 12,000 people, with 60 percent of the beneficiaries coming from marginalized communities. The revival of Nagan Thangal Lake demonstrates the power of combining environmental conservation with community participation, ensuring sustainable water resources for local residents.

The Project Nanneer initiative focused on restoring Nagan Thangal Lake through extensive desilting and ecological improvements. Over four acres of the lake were desilted to a depth of 1.5 meters, and more than 4,000 native species were planted around the lake to enhance biodiversity. The Nagan Thangal Lake restoration has created a thriving environment for aquatic and terrestrial life, attracting 14 fish species, 56 bird species, and 33 butterfly species. By reviving Nagan Thangal Lake, Tata Communications has not only increased water availability but also contributed significantly to biodiversity conservation and environmental education in the region.

The Watershed Organisation Trust Centre for Resilience Studies (W-CReS) assessed the improvements at Nagan Thangal Lake, highlighting substantial environmental benefits. Groundwater recharge in the area has tripled, reaching 8.5 million litres annually, while the water spread area expanded from 5.10 hectares to 15.19 hectares during pre-monsoon periods. The catchment area surrounding Nagan Thangal Lake has also seen barren land decrease by 15 percent, from 236.11 hectares to 199.39 hectares, reflecting the ecological impact of the restoration efforts. These results show how the revival of Nagan Thangal Lake contributes to both water security and land restoration in Tamil Nadu.

Nagan Thangal Lake has also become a hub for community engagement and education. The lake now attracts over 11,500 annual visitors and hosts educational programs for approximately 650 students from 11 schools. Local communities actively participate in maintaining Nagan Thangal Lake, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project. By reviving Nagan Thangal Lake, Tata Communications has set an example of how corporate-led environmental initiatives can create lasting positive impact on both nature and society.

Mukul Kumar, Vice President of EOHS and Sustainability at Tata Communications, emphasized that the Nagan Thangal Lake project demonstrates the value of aligning restoration efforts with catchment hydrology and community participation. The company plans to continue monitoring Nagan Thangal Lake and engaging local communities to maintain its ecological balance. The revival of Nagan Thangal Lake serves as a model for similar initiatives across India, highlighting how neglected water bodies can be transformed into thriving ecosystems that support both people and wildlife.