Category: Water Body Restoration

At a time when most irrigation tanks in and around Rajapalayam have gone dry under the harsh summer heat, Kothankulam Kanmai has managed to retain substantial water throughout the season, thanks to a continuous inflow of treated recycled water from the city’s Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). The year-round availability of water has transformed the traditional kanmai into a lifeline for farmers, while also creating a thriving habitat for birds and aquatic life.

Rajapalayam and its surrounding areas are dotted with more than 40 traditional kanmais, many of which depend entirely on seasonal rainfall. With the region being predominantly rain-fed, prolonged summers often leave these water bodies parched, affecting agriculture, groundwater recharge, and local ecosystems.

In contrast, Kothankulam Kanmai continues to hold water even during peak summer. The STP, which receives around 6.22 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage and effluents from Rajapalayam town, treats and recycles the water before releasing nearly 6.18 MLD into the kanmai located about 1.5 kilometres away. The recycled water meets the standards prescribed by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for agricultural use.

The steady supply of water has become a major support system for farmers in and around Kothankulam village panchayat, situated about 7 to 8 kilometres from Rajapalayam town in Virudhunagar district. Farmers use the water for paddy cultivation, coconut farming, and vegetable cultivation, helping sustain agricultural activity even during dry periods.

Apart from supporting agriculture, the perennial presence of water has significantly improved the local ecology. The kanmai now supports fish, frogs, insects, aquatic organisms, and several resident and migratory bird species. The surrounding greenery and moisture also contribute to groundwater recharge and help moderate the local microclimate.