Water warrior's big push to restore lakes in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: Under the scorching sun, young climate activist Nimal Raghavan toils away to restore the Mangalanathan Kanmani lake in Ramanathapuram.
The resoration of this lake is among six projects that are part of the transformation of Ramanathapuram into a haven for steady sources of water. The Mangalanathan Kanmai lake is the 148th Nimal has restored since the start of his journey as a 'water warrior' in 2018.
While on vacation to India in 2018, Nimal was aggrieved after seeing the after-effects of Cyclone Gaja. Determined, he left a high-paying job in Dubai to return to Nadiyam, his village near Thanjavur to revive water bodies, irrigate land and help the people of his homeland. He rejuvenated the Peravurani lake that helped irrigate more than 6,000 acres of agricultural land and planted 25,000 saplings all over the Cauvery delta.
This summer, Nimal is trying to help people of Ramanathapuram tide over the persistent water shortage. He and his team will focus on desilting the lake area, constructing and strengthening lake boundaries, preventing saltwater intrusion, water treatment and construction of recharging pits of six dormant water bodies in the area. The projects are funded in collaboration with Nanban Foundation. US-based Mothers for Nature is sponsoring Nimal and his team with an excavator while the fundraising is being done by Milaap.
"If we can transform one of the driest places in Tamil Nadu, then water bodies in any place can be rejuvenated," Nimal said.
Ramanathapuram is one of the driest places in South India. People use umbrellas to travel for their daily activities and kids travel 5km-10km to collect water for their households before school starts every day, he said. "Most water bodies in the area are not properly maintained so we plan to recharge the groundwater and prevent saltwater intrusion in six water bodies in the area. The lakes of Mangalanathan Kanmai, Kottakudi, Kenikarai, Pandukudi, Paambu and Ervaadi in Ramnad are dormant lakes that can be restored if done right."
"At first, we received no support due to the hopeless water situation in Ramanathapuram," he said.
Till date, Nimal's Mega foundation has collaborated with various organisations to restore 148 lakes globally, including around 100 lakes in Tamil Nadu.
"The Mangalanathan Kanmai lake measures around 15 acres. If we desilt the lake, we can save around 22.5 crore litres of water. The other lakes are around 3 to 18 acres. We need to raise around 50 lakh for all six projects," he said.
While speaking about his action plan for Chennai, he said, "Chennai needs around 5 tmcft annually. The goal for 2023 is to save at least 2 tmcft-3 tmcft in Ramanathapuram. The reformation of the Mangalanathan lake is a pilot project. With the success of this lake we hope to continue restoring other lakes."