Environmental NGO Siruthuli has announced the continuation and expansion of its water conservation, afforestation and wastewater management initiatives across Tamil Nadu, with special focus on the Noyyal River Basin and key urban water bodies.
Under its Water Watch programme, the NGO will intensify the restoration of anicuts along the Noyyal River to regulate river flow, enhance groundwater recharge and support irrigation. Restoration works have commenced at the Kil Chithirai Chavadi and Pudhukadu anicuts with the support of Karur Vysya Bank. The Kil Chithirai Chavadi anicut is expected to increase water holding capacity by 28 million litres, benefiting nearly 700 farmers, while the Pudhukadu anicut will add 30 million litres, benefiting about 300 farmers and improving agricultural productivity in the region.
Following the successful creation of 100 million litres of water holding capacity through the restoration of a 5.7 km stretch of the Masorambu stream with the support of Titan Limited, second-phase restoration works have begun for the remaining 1.5 km stretch.
In Chennai, Siruthuli is initiating urban water conservation projects with the support of Ford. The 4.5-acre Odaikeni Vannankulam waterbody at Sholinganallur will be restored to improve its holding capacity to 19 million litres and help address growing urban water stress.
As part of its Green Guard initiative, the NGO will expand afforestation activities by utilising temple lands in collaboration with the HR and CE Department. With support from Bharat Forge and JS Auto Cast Foundry India Private Limited, work has begun to plant 10,000 native trees across five acres at Annur. During 2026, Siruthuli plans to plant one lakh native trees with the support of corporation authorities to enhance urban green cover and support climate mitigation.
In wastewater management, restoration works are under way at the Sundapalayam stream, which receives around six lakh litres of sewage daily. With support from Indo-tech Transformers Limited, cleaning, desilting and natural treatment works are being carried out along a one-kilometre stretch. Similar restoration works are planned for a stream near Fun Mall on Avinashi Road.
In recognition of its sustained contributions to water security and ecological restoration, Siruthuli received a state-level award from the Tamil Nadu government in Chennai on January 19.
As part of its environmental awareness efforts, the NGO will organise a screening of the documentary “Wild Tamil Nadu” on January 26 at PSG IMSR Auditorium, with proceeds supporting its tree-planting initiatives.
