The recent collaboration between the district administration of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu and Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), a non-profit organisation, is making headlines. The partners have adopted an innovative ‘hyper local’ approach, known as TamiraSES, to restore the Thamirabarani River.
Overview of the TamiraSES Project
The Thamirabarani River holds significant environmental and historical importance in southern Tamil Nadu. However, this vital watercourse has taken a hit over the years due to various factors, necessitating the implementation of a restoration project. Despite the Thamirabarani landscape appearing water-rich in general, it was struck by a severe drought in 2016. This was surprisingly in spite of diverse water storage mechanisms in place. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of settlements, leading to the contraction of agricultural lands and water bodies.
To counter these issues, the TamiraSES project was conceived. This district-level initiative is aimed at restoring the Social Ecological Systems of the Tamiraparani river scape, from its headwaters to its estuary. The goal is to create an environment conducive for the native biodiversity to flourish. It also works towards maintaining and enhancing multiple ecosystem services for the benefit of local stakeholders.
As part of the project’s first phase, five social ecological observatories will be established. Acting as pilot sites, they will pave the way for scaling up operations based on insights gleaned from these locations. The ultimate intent is to rejuvenate not only the Thamirabarani but also all other water bodies within the Tirunelveli river scape.
Key Points About the Thamirabarani River
The Thamirabarani River stands out as the only perennial river, meaning it has a continuous flow of water, in Tamil Nadu. Despite being the state’s shortest river, it has a considerable influence on its hydrology and ecology. The Thamirabarani originates from the Pothigai Hills of the Western Ghats within the Ambasamudram taluk. It traverses across the districts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi before it finally ends its course at Korkai, draining into the Gulf of Mannar in the Bay of Bengal.
The river also holds a special place in the world of wildlife as it supports a variety of species like the Nilgiri marten, slender loris, lion-tailed macaque, white spotted bush frog, galaxy frog, Sri Lankan Atlas moth, and the great hornbill.
Apart from the vital ecosystem services that the river provides, it also carries a historical significance for Tamil Nadu’s populace. The Thamirabarani finds numerous mentions in the Sangam Era’s literature, marking its cultural relevance. This rich historical context further amplifies the need for its conservation and restoration.
Source: DTE
