Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the exercise, Mr. Vishnu said the district administration, which started ‘Nellai Neervalam’ (Tirunelveli Water Resources) with the active participation of volunteers to conserve waterbodies, had prepared a Digital Water Atlas, the mapping of water resources and restoration. As part of ‘Nellai Neervalam’, afforestation and extension of greenery had been initiated.

The operation has revived more than 10,000 acres of agricultural operations after a gap of 30 years. Sri Vishnu came up with the ‘Nellai Neeravalam’ (Tirunelveli Water Resources) scheme, after visiting several dry water bodies – both settled and un-systematic – across the district in the first week of July. Its objective was to rejuvenate the ponds and irrigation tanks with public participation.

As soon as a boat approaches the Tirunelveli bank of the Thamirabarani river, a slew of mandapams springs up on the horizon, scattered along the river. The mandapams, older than time itself, have been in poor health, especially after the January floods this year.