Category: Water Body Restoration
Mr. Sridhar Vembu, Chief Scientist and former CEO of Zoho Corporation, on a visit to Rajapalayam, interacted with the members of Ramco Community Services (RCS) on July 2. He appreciated the organisation’s integrated approach to environmental conservation, particularly its model of waterbody restoration.
Mr. Vembu familiarised himself with the organisation’s wide range of social and environmental initiatives undertaken in and around Rajapalayam in alignment with the Master Plan of Rajapalayam LPA. He also learned about the projects implemented by RCS as a Project Management Unit for the state government’s Carbon Neutral Rajapalayam vision, in association with the Rajapalayam Municipality and various State Government agencies.
Present on the occasion were Shri P. R. Venketrama Raja, Chairman of the Ramco Group, and Smt. P. V. Nirmala Raja, Chairperson of Ramco Community Services.
Mr. Vembu observed that the waterbody restoration model developed by RCS deserves to be replicated across Tamil Nadu as it combines sustainability with long-term effectiveness. He noted that many waterbody restoration projects are limited to desilting and strengthening the bunds as one-time interventions, with little attention paid to long-term maintenance. In contrast, he said, RCS has adopted a holistic and sustainable approach by ensuring the continued upkeep of restored waterbodies.
He appreciated the organisation’s efforts to maintain the restored waterbodies free of invasive plant species and highlighted the natural filtration system created by RCS to treat water entering the waterbodies. Whether the inflow consists of rainwater runoff or wastewater, the system naturally filters and channels the water before it reaches the waterbody, thereby improving water quality and supporting the long-term health of the ecosystem.
Mr. Vembu also commended the use of locally sourced organic materials in the restoration process, describing it as evidence of the project’s strong sustainability focus. Expressing his appreciation for the work being carried out by Ramco Community Services, Mr. Vembu extended his support to the organisation’s initiatives and wished the team continued success in its efforts to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development in the city.
