Work commenced on November 9, 2020 at Devenanthal in regards to creating a bird sanctuary by upgrading Devenanthal Lake on the lines of Vedanthangal.
In this regard a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Administration of Tiruvannamalai with the New Delhi-based Agriculture Insurance Company of India under a corporate social responsibility initiative under which the Company donated Rs.2.50 crore to develop the Devenanthal irrigation tank so that birds could nest there.
The scheme envisages creating a small island in the 65 acre lake; ensuring bunds are strengthened and the lake-bed deepened to enable additional water storage. Further it is planned to increase greenery along the entire stretch and create a mini forest both on the shore and on the island in order to attract birds.
The water from the tank, when full, will serve an area of 1,500 acres in addition to recharging ground water in the locality. It is projected that the work will be completed within a year. In addition the New Delhi-based Company has also committed to provide maintenance assistance for an additional two years thereafter.
Tiruvannamalai Administration plans to create a cycle track around the Devananthal tank for sporting enthusiasts. It hopes to take up similar work on a major irrigation tank each year to benefit the area and its residents.
