Titan Company Limited has completed the restoration of Akka Thangai Lake in Anchetty, Thally block, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, which it describes as the first restoration in nearly 50 years. The project is expected to strengthen water access for around 500 farmers, support irrigation across 511 acres of farmland and help recharge approximately 85 borewells.
Why the lake needed work
The project aims to improve water availability in a region where agriculture depends heavily on seasonal rainfall and groundwater. Before the restoration, groundwater levels had reportedly fallen to depths of around 120 to 250 feet, and rain-fed agriculture had declined to approximately 40%.
What was done
The restoration was carried out through Pragati, Titan’s sustainability initiative, with the National Agro Foundation (NAF). The work included desilting and about 2.36 lakh cubic metres of earthwork excavation, renovation of sluice structures and the surplus weir, strengthening of the bund with stone pitching and a toe wall, repair and construction of feeder channels, and installation of gabion check dams.
Expected impact
The project is expected to augment water availability by about 4.10 lakh kilo litres, equivalent to 41 crore litres, and to create potential for additional cultivation across around 250 acres. The lake’s current storage capacity is around 10.36 lakh kilo litres, against a designed capacity of 14.40 lakh kilo litres. Plantation around the lake is also expected to aid ecological restoration.
Partners and handover
The project involved the Krishnagiri District Administration, the Water Resources Department, the Public Works Department, the International Centre for Clean Water and the Forest Department, along with Titan and NAF. The restored lake was formally handed over to the Krishnagiri District Collector.
Keeping the lake working
To support long-term upkeep, a Farmers’ Association of more than 70 farmers has been formed to discuss lake maintenance, water-resource management, farmers’ requirements and future action plans. A Village Water User Committee will oversee regular upkeep, including desilting, bund strengthening and care of planted saplings.
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