Punnagai lake, which is located in Namakkal District, Kolli Hill Forest range next to Narasiman Kadu Village, approximately holds 20-30 Lakh liters of water. Wake Our Lake team visited the area to locate the catchment area (approximately 300 acres) and the flow leading to a spring named Masunu through several inlet channels.

Under the technical guidance of ISRO Senior soil scientist Dr. P Velmurugan and Nansey Restoration LLP, the aim was to replenish and restore the groundwater in this area. Adjacent to the lake constructed a deep rainwater recharge pit which worked beyond our expectations in replenishing the groundwater levels.

The clearing, widening, and desilting work started around Sep 15, 2017, and went on for a few months. The recharge pit design was sketched by NSS students. We also constructed check dams in the connecting streams with the help of NSS Candidates from local schools and colleges and using locally available resources. The lake bund was further strengthened by planting vetiver and the lake was widened leading to an increase in the total water holding capacity.

The first Check Dam was completed in September 2017, check dams aid in slowing down fast-moving water and the slow-moving water would increase percolation. Around 10 check dams were built with the help of NSS candidates from local schools and colleges.

Over the years, water flows have drastically improved in the lake, and the groundwater situation in the surrounding regions significantly improved following our recharge. The farmers in the area got inspired and joined hands with us for the construction of similar recharge pits in the surrounding areas. During our visit to the lake in Sep 2018, we were so delighted to see the vetiver growth protecting the soil from erosion.

Punnagai Lake Press Coverage

Click here to watch Punnagai Lake Renovation work covered by media (Nammal Mudiyum – Puthiya Thalaimurai)

https://wakeourlake.org/blog/Punnagai