The story of Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaipu (KKPA) is more than a chronicle of environmental restoration; it is a testament to the transformative power of collective action. As the NGO approaches its 500th week of consistent field work, it celebrates a journey that turned a solitary mission into a massive civic movement in Coimbatore.
The Spark of a Movement
For over two decades, Manikandan, the founder of Kovai Kulangal, was a lone warrior in the field of water conservation. Before the launch of KKPA, his primary battle was against the invasive Seemai Karuvelam Maram, a species that chokes local water bodies and depletes groundwater.
The turning point came in 2017 during the Jallikattu protests. Witnessing thousands of youths unite for a common cultural cause, Manikandan had a realization – why not channel that same societal energy into saving the environment?
In February 2017, he leveraged social media to highlight the plight of Coimbatore’s lakes. The response was encouraging, leading to the formal birth of Kovai Kulangal. What began as a simple initiative to clear invasive trees and plastic waste rapidly evolved into a volunteer-driven crusade.
Restoring the Blue and Green Arteries of Coimbatore
The impact of KKPA’s work is visible across the city’s landscape. The organization has successfully cleared massive amounts of plastic waste and debris from several key locations, including Vellalore Lake, Ukkadam Periyakulam, and Selva Chintamani Lake.
One of their most significant triumphs was the revival of Vellalore Lake. When the team started, the lake had been bone-dry for nearly 12 years. By desilting water channels and strengthening check dams, the NGO successfully brought water back to the lake within just one year. Recently, their efforts have extended to Perur Periyakulam, Sengulam, and Annur Katampatti Lake, where they continue to desilt channels and remove invasive growth.
Creating Urban Oases and Reforestation
Beyond water, the NGO has been a prolific force in reforestation. To date, they have planted more than 55,000 saplings across lake bunds, forest lands, and Corporation sites. The action does not stop at planting the saplings; the NGO ensures the long-term maintenance and survival of these green lungs.
In collaboration with CSR sponsors and the Coimbatore Corporation, Kovai Kulangal has established several specialized ecological parks, such as the Butterfly Park in Vellore and the Sanga Ilakkiya Poonga in Kalapatti.
A Win-Win for Nature and Human Health
Kovai Kulangal offers a unique platform for citizens who feel disconnected from nature. In an era of high stress and urban restrictions, volunteering provides a “win-win” scenario.
The labor-intensive work of removing invasive species and planting trees serves as an effective physical and mental stress-buster. The organization transcends barriers, bringing together people of all ages, religions, and languages to work as one network. For those who lack the space to grow trees at home, the lake bunds become their shared garden, allowing them to contribute to the welfare of nature while improving their own health and reducing feelings of depression.
Recognition and the Road to 500 Weeks
The tireless efforts of Manikandan have earned him significant recognitions, including the Best Water Warrior Award (South Zone) from the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2020. However, for Manikandan, awards are merely fuel for the journey. He credits the success of the movement to the seamless synergy between the Coimbatore Corporation, government bodies, corporate sponsors, and the volunteers.
As the NGO completes 437 weeks of continuous field work, hitting the “5th Century” (500 weeks) is on the horizon. When asked if he has set 500 as a final target, Manikandan remains grounded, stating that it is just a number and the work will continue to flow as long as the water does.
