Naganthaangal Lake Revival: Groundwater, Water Quality, and Biodiversity Boom in Upparapalayam

The year has begun on quite a happy note for residents of Upparapalayam village near Tirumullaivoyal: their groundwater table has risen, water quality has improved dramatically, and birds are flocking in.


And it’s all thanks to the ecological restoration of Naganthaangal lake, once a dumping ground and haunt for tipplers.

Two years ago, Tata Communications Limited (TCL) invested CSR funds under the scheme ‘Project Nanneer’ into the ecological restoration of the lake. TCL completed the revival in just 18 months. Before restoration, the water was hard, forcing villagers to drill 150ft for supply. “Now, water is available at just 20 feet,” says resident R Ragu.
“The water used to taste astringent, but now the quality has improved. We rely solely on groundwater now,” says R Sivaranjani, a resident.

For nature enthusiasts, the revival shines brighter. At least 20 bird species now flock to the lake, drawing birdwatchers and signalling biodiversity recovery.
The project didn’t stop at ecology. TCL built a community hall where children play and morning walkers gather. Walking path tiles are slated for installation soon.
“What was a dying lake is now a vibrant ecosystem. We hope the W-CReS study and Naganthaangal’s success inspire similar transformations nationwide, sparking behavioural change,” says Mukul Kumar, TCL’s vice-president.

The model, he says, offers hope for Tamil Nadu’s urban fringes, where depleted lakes threaten water security and wildlife.