Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

Repair wall of tank, say residents

By R. Sujatha

CHENNAI, NOV. 12. Residents of West Mambalam have appealed to the Corporation to repair the wall around a 20-foot tank behind the Kondandarama Swamy temple in the area.

People living in the area had appealed to various agencies to repair the wall on the western side, which collapsed in September 2003. Constructed over three years ago at a cost of Rs. 30 lakhs, the tank was a water storage point providing relief to residents of nearly a dozen streets around the temple. Residents in the area say that for nearly 20 years, the area did not receive piped metro water supply as it was in the "tail end". After the tank was constructed and after rainwater harvesting efforts by some residents, groundwater supply in the area improved.

A wall was built around the tank and a public toilet was constructed at the south end of the tank. However, after rain in September last year the toilet began to sink and sandbags were placed around it to prevent its collapse. Residents had approached the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department for funds last year but they say little has been done to improve the 180-year old temple and the tank.

However, a department official said repair work on the tank had started. A government order issued on August 2 this year had sanctioned Rs. 5.60 lakhs for renovation work.

N.V. Vasudevan, honorary correspondent of Ahobila Math School, said the area around the walled tank was once used as a public toilet. "Now it is better. Earlier we could not take classes at the school."

A part of the area on K.R. Swamy Koil Street on the northern side of the tank was converted into a park, now being maintained by the Corporation. Though residents welcomed the move, Mr. Vasudevan said the dimensions of the tank had been reduced to accommodate the park.

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