Tata Communications Leads Nagan Thangal Lake Revival Into Thriving Ecosystem & Community Hub

Tata Communications, a leading global communications technology player, in association with Pitchandikulam Forest, has successfully transformed Nagan Thangal Lake in Upparapalayam village, Pothur Panchayat, Tamil Nadu, into a thriving ecological and community asset.

The initiative has led to significant improvements in water security, biodiversity, and community engagement, confirmed a recent assessment by the W-CReS (the Watershed Organisation Trust Centre for Resilience Studies), a leading centre for applied, trans-disciplinary research that bridges science, policy, and practice to build climate and community resilience.

Having conducted a thorough analysis of the hydrogeological conditions in and around the 15.01-acre lake covering groundwater levels, flow patterns, catchment capacity, geophysical surveys, geological mapping, water quality, and aquifer features - the WOTR study commissioned by Tata Communications, highlighted "what a well-planned restoration effort can achieve when aligned with catchment hydrology and local community engagement".

The Nagan Thangal Lake had earlier served as a crucial water source for nearly 2,800 residents. It was also an essential water body for water conveyance and urban flood prevention during the monsoon season. However, years of neglect, siltation, and pollution had severely reduced its capacity by nearly 75% and degraded the surrounding ecosystem. The once thriving natural resource had deteriorated into a stagnant body of water, unable to meet community needs.

In response, the Project Nanneer by Tata Communications ('Nan' meaning good and 'neer' meaning water, in the regional language, Tamil), a restoration project, was initiated in 2022 to revive the lake. The name Nanneer aptly captures the essence of the project - bringing back good water.

A well-planned land shaping strategy was designed for the 15.01-acre lake, incorporating features such as platforms, an island, and two small hills with walking tracks. The land shaping phase involved careful excavation and the desilting 4 acres of the lake to a depth of 1.5 m. The excavated silt and soil were then utilised to create hills, islands, and bunds, contributing to the revitalisation of the lake's ecosystem. Over 4,000 plants of native species were thoughtfully planted on the bunds, platforms, island, and hills within the desilted lake area.

The W-CReS report highlights that the rejuvenation efforts have significantly increased the lake's water storage capacity and annual groundwater recharge. Additionally, these have positively influenced land use patterns by enhancing vegetation.

The restoration has significantly improved groundwater recharge, drinking water supply for livestock, occasional fishing, community recreation - enhancing the quality of life for nearly 12,000 individuals, 60% of whom belong to marginalised communities. Microbiological water quality indicators also show low to moderate contamination levels, indicating the need for ongoing community awareness and treatment initiatives.

The rejuvenated lake further offers experiential learning opportunities for students from over a dozen nearby schools. A learning centre - a community-led ecological education and outreach hub built adjacent to the lake inspires local stewardship and hosts nature-based learning activities for children and families.

The study brings to the fore the importance of climate-resilient water governance, regular monitoring, and data-driven strategies to maintain these improvements, particularly as urbanisation continues to grow in Chennai's peri-urban areas.

As next steps and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, Tata Communicationswill continue to monitor local biodiversity and strengthen community engagement efforts.

Shares of Tata Communications Limited was last trading in BSE at Rs. 1914.80 as compared to the previous close of Rs. 1905.40. The total number of shares traded during the day was 7208 in over 845 trades.

The stock hit an intraday high of Rs. 1928.55 and intraday low of 1900.70. The net turnover during the day was Rs. 13824121.00.

Source : Equity Bulls

Keywords

TataCommunications INE151A01013 NaganThangalLake Revival