Restoring the health of waterbodies
To revive and ecologically restore freshwater lakes and ponds across the country, Environmentalist Foundation of India (E.F.I) partnered with HCL Foundation in 2018 to restore Kannagi Nagar Pond and the Alli Kulam in Chennai. Through this association, the organization was able to create a positive impact in the neighborhood where these water bodies were located. The partnership with HCL Foundation later grew stronger as two other urban lakes were taken up for restoration in the year 2020 in the city of Vijayawada Even as the pandemic waged on, the restorations were completed in time to host the showers from the 2020 North East Monsoons. The Chennai Ocean Project was launched in 2020 to conserve and protect Chennai’s coastline, a fragile ecosystem that is known for the nesting site of the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. The ambitious project’s eforts included mechanical removal of debris from the beach stretch, removal of glass bottles and upcycling them, and regular community engagement activities that involved local residents and volunteer groups. In a span of over 3 years, the association has benefitted over 1,80,000 people, and has conserved over 13.67 crore liters.