Tata Communications, in partnership with Pitchandikulam Forest, has successfully restored Nagan Thangal Lake in Upparapalayam village, Tamil Nadu, turning it into a flourishing ecological site and a hub for community activities. A recent report by W-CReS (Watershed Organisation Trust Centre for Resilience Studies), an institute focused on applied research in climate and community resilience, confirms notable improvements in water availability, biodiversity, and local engagement following the restoration.
The study, commissioned by Tata Communications, involved a detailed examination of the lake’s 15-acre area, analyzing groundwater levels, flow patterns, water quality, and surrounding geological features. The findings highlight how a carefully executed restoration project, aligned with natural water cycles and local participation, can deliver impressive environmental and social outcomes.
Nagan Thangal Lake had historically been vital for nearly 2,800 residents, helping with water supply and flood control during monsoons. However, years of neglect, pollution, and silt buildup had reduced its capacity by about 75%, causing ecosystem decline and water stagnation that failed to meet community needs. To address this, Tata Communications launched Project Nanneer (meaning “good water” in Tamil) in 2022, aimed at restoring the lake’s health and utility.
The restoration included reshaping the lake area by dredging four acres to a depth of 1.5 meters and using the removed silt to build hills, an island, and walking trails around the lake. Over 4,000 native plants were planted on these features to encourage biodiversity and stabilize the environment. The report from W-CReS emphasizes that these efforts have significantly increased water retention and groundwater recharge, while also promoting greener land use and enhancing local livelihoods.
The revived lake now supports drinking water for livestock, occasional fishing, and community recreation, benefiting around 12,000 people, including a majority from marginalized groups. Water quality tests show mostly low to moderate contamination, indicating ongoing education and water treatment efforts are important. Additionally, a nearby community learning center provides ecological education and hands-on activities for children from local schools, fostering environmental awareness and stewardship.
Looking ahead, Tata Communications plans to maintain biodiversity monitoring and deepen community involvement to ensure the project’s lasting success. Mukul Kumar, Vice President of Sustainability at Tata Communications, said, “This project shows how we can bring new life to neglected natural resources, creating spaces where nature and people thrive together. We hope this inspires similar restoration efforts across the country.”
Joss Brooks, founder of Pitchandikulam Forest, described the initiative as a “shared healing space” where ecology, education, and community growth come together. Dr Marcella D’Souza of W-CReS highlighted the importance of evidence-backed approaches and continuous monitoring in driving impactful, scalable environmental solutions.
Tata Communications, part of the Tata Group, is a global enabler of digital transformation, offering a wide range of services including next-gen connectivity, cloud hosting, security, and media services. Serving more than 300 Fortune 500 companies, it connects businesses to 80% of the world’s leading cloud providers, empowering enterprises across over 190 countries.
