PERAMBALUR: It’s Kudimaramathu in every sense of the word, as youth of Anaipadi in Perambalur have pooled in money and resources to dredge and restore waterbodies in the village. Cutting across socio-economic factors and political affiliations, around 200 youth have been reviving lake, canals and temples for over three years.
A tiny village in Alathur taluk, Anaipadi has a population of 900 with 350 families. Most of the residents own land ranging up to 20 acres. Groundwater plummeted to over 100 feet and turned saline, the village was further affected by drought. It was when youth stepped in to revive its fortunes.
With over 150 youth abroad, especially Singapore and Dubai, for temporary jobs, they pooled in money and effort to rebuild the village. The youth claim they took matters into their hands after their plea to elected representatives and officials fell on deaf ears.
They started with rainwater harvesting systems to replenish drinking water sources. Next, a group calling itself Singapore Friends, contributed to dredge a lake. It has also built steps and a boundary around the lake and has planted over 30 saplings. The renovation of the lake, canals and the well cost at least `7 lakh.
“First, we cleaned a well located inside one the lake.
Then, we dredged the lake, Prosopis plants and hyacinth. We also dredged water channel for up to 4 km around the village so that rain water flows freely into the lake,” said 33-year-old A Vallarasu, who works in Singapore. schools.” The youth group is part of a bigger community known as ‘Puthiya Payanam’ (New Journey) founded by Raghavan Sivaraman of Perali.