Kovalam is a vibrant coastal village known for its beaches, estuaries, backwaters, mangroves and growing tourism culture. Just beyond the expanding cityscape, it has become a popular retreat for urban residents seeking nature and recreation.Across this coastal landscape lie several freshwater lakes and wetlands that serve as critical Blue-Green reservoirs, supporting biodiversity, groundwater recharge and protection against seawater intrusion. However, rapid urbanization, tourism pressure, sewage inflow, garbage dumping and long-term neglect are steadily degrading these fragile ecosystems.
Konathangal Lake is one such important freshwater body located south of Kovalam and divided into two by the East Coast Road. Situated barely 700 meters from the coastline, the lake stretches nearly a kilometre through the landscape. Over the years, invasive weeds, damaged embankments, erosion and heavy silt deposition had severely reduced its ecological health and water storage capacity. Under the #BlueGreenChengalpattu initiative, E.F.I., in collaboration with the Chengalpattu District Administration as the administrative partner and Crédit Saison India as the funding partner, undertook the restoration of this vital freshwater body.
Volunteer for Chengalpattu & Her Environment with E.F.I.
