Once a clear, glistening pond that mirrored the skies, Chetti Kulam in Kovalam, near Ansari Nagar, had over the years fallen into neglect — choked by waste, weeds, and misuse. Today, the lake has been brought back to life through a thoughtful restoration effort by the Chengalpattu District Administration and the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), Besant Nagar.
Long-time resident Babu, who has lived in Kovalam for over 35 years, recalls the transformation vividly.
“In the olden days, the water was crystal clear. If we dropped a coin, we could see it fall to the bottom,” he says. “But gradually, the pond became dirty. People bathed using soap, washed clothes, and dumped waste. The pond became shallow, its capacity reduced, and rainwater overflowed instead of being stored. The place was dense with weeds and invasive plants.”
With coordinated efforts from the Chengalpattu Corporation and EFI, the pond was dewatered, desilted, and strengthened, with embankments raised and a protective boundary erected to prevent misuse. The restored pond now efficiently captures rainwater, recharges groundwater, and prevents saltwater intrusion — crucial in this coastal village where freshwater is scarce.
“The beach is very close by, and this is the only source of freshwater for our community,” Babu adds. “This restoration is a lifeline — not just for us, but also for the cattle, birds, and stray animals that depend on it. Everyone must act responsibly and keep it clean.”
Another local resident, Fathima, who was born and raised in Kovalam, shares his sentiment.
“Chetti Kulam has always been full of water. Now, after restoration, it looks neat and beautiful,” she says. “A good waterbody is a lifeline for any place — it sustains both people and voiceless creatures alike. I feel like standing by the lake and admiring its beauty.”
What was once a polluted pond has now become a symbol of community revival and environmental responsibility. Chetti Kulam stands as a reminder that restoring nature not only revives ecosystems but also rebuilds the bond between people and their surroundings.
