A massive water conservation initiative has been launched in Thoothukudi district with the construction of 1,000 farm ponds under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme, funded by private companies. The project aims to recharge groundwater and boost agricultural production in drought-prone areas.
The scheme was inaugurated by Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi at Pillaiyarnatham village, Vilathikulam block. She highlighted the importance of farm ponds in raising the water table, especially in rainfed agricultural regions, and urged farmers to actively participate for long-term irrigation benefits.
District Collector K. Elambahavath had earlier announced plans to dig nearly 1,500 ponds and encouraged farmers to register for the project. The present phase covers Pudur, Kayathar, Vilathikulam, Kovilpatti, and Ottapidaram blocks.
Ms. Kanimozhi noted that maize cultivation in Thoothukudi, though the third-largest in Tamil Nadu, lags behind the State average due to low and unseasonal rainfall. She emphasized that the pond initiative would strengthen crop yield and improve rainfed farming conditions.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment P. Geetha Jeevan, Collector K. Elambahavath, and Vilathikulam MLA G.V. Markandayan.