Strengthening Water Bodies & Promoting Biodiversity in Malumichampatti Watersheds Since 2021 , COODU has partnered with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to implement the Conservation and Restoration of Water Bodies and Biodiversity Promotion Project in the Malumichampatti Panchayat, Madukkarai Block, Coimbatore District . The programme focuses on reviving traditional water bodies, improving groundwater recharge, promoting biodiversity, and empowering communities to manage natural resources sustainably.
• Conserve and restore water bodies and channels.
• Enhance groundwater recharge and storage capacity.
• Promote biodiversity through plantations.
• Build awareness and community participation in water conservation.
• Facilitate sustainable agricultural practices and livelihoods.
• Construction of
new check dams
and
renovation of existing structures
in Avvai Nagar, VG Nagar, and Anbu Nagar.
• Desilting of
over 1,16,000 cubic meters
of silt from water channels, tanks, and percolation ponds.
• Jungle clearance over
23,750+ sqm
to improve natural water flow.
• Strengthened bunds and embankments to reduce erosion.
• Increased storage and recharge capacity, creating
millions of litres of additional water holding potential
.
• Two perennial streams rejuvenated, providing continuous recharge to wells and borewells even during peak summer.
• Plantation of
over 6,000 native saplings
across community lands, schools, and watersheds (species include Neem, Teak,
Pungan, Bamboo, Casuarina, Mahogany, Guava, Mango, Jackfruit, and more).
• Saplings planted with community and school volunteer participation, supported by caretaker groups and student eco-clubs.
• Conducted
soil and water testing in 50+ locations
with ICAR-KVK labs.
• Soil tests guided crop recommendations and nutrient management.
• Water found to be within safe limits for agriculture and domestic use.
• Formation of
Watershed User Groups (WUGs)
and a registered
farmers’ trust – “Vivekanandha Thannarva Amaippu, Malumichampatti”
to ensure sustainability.
• Regular
watershed committee and stakeholder meetings
to discuss water management and farming challenges.
• Organized
exposure visits
to promote learning from best practices.
• Conducted
Information, Education & Communication (IEC)
campaigns on water conservation.
• Organized farmer trainings on
water-efficient irrigation, agronomic practices, and sustainable farming
.
• Awareness programmes engaged
farmers, women, students, and Panchayat leaders
.
• Construction and renovation of
multiple check dams
improved storage by over
24 million litres
annually.
•
56,000+ cubic meters
of desilting in 2023–24 alone improved water flow and groundwater recharge
•
6,000+ trees planted
, creating green cover, preventing soil erosion, and promoting biodiversity
•
Watershed Trust formation
ensured long-term sustainability and local ownership
• Water availability improved by
50% surface storage and 20% groundwater
recharge
• Improved crop yields, reduced farmer expenditure on borewell digging, and strengthened resilience to drought
•
Hundreds of farmers
gained access to improved irrigation and increased agricultural productivity
•
Groundwater tables rose significantly
, ensuring year-round access to water for drinking and farming
• Local schools and Panchayats benefited from plantation drives, creating safer and greener environments
• Women, SHGs, and local youth actively engaged in plantation care, awareness drives, and water management activities
• Through its CSR partnership with COODU,
L&T has transformed Malumichampatti into a model watershed development site.
• The project has not only revived water bodies and improved water security but also promoted
community ownership, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable
farming practices.
• This initiative stands as a testament to how
corporate–community partnerships
can build resilience, conserve natural resources, and empower rural
livelihoods for the long term.