The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : An ancient water tank, now a health hazard

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 02, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

An ancient water tank, now a health hazard

Staff Reporter

Kuttakulam tank has been polluted by sewage discharge

Eyesore: A view of the water tank in Aranthangi..

ARANTHANGI: For many senior residents of Aranthangi, the sprawling Kuttakulam tank in Ward 19 in the heart of the town is an eye-sore. Many recall their boyhood days when they bathed with their friends in the tank..

Open defecation, sewage flow and discharge from septic tanks from about 400 houses and commercial establishments on the North, South, East and West Kuttakulam Streets have polluted the tank.

Aranthangi Chamber of Commerce secretary P. Gandhinathan says every time he crosses the tank, he goes down the memory lane — recollecting the times when he and his family members used to bathe in the tank.

Another senior citizen L. Kailasanathan says that harvest of fish at the tank used to be a pleasant event for many.

Acording to Municipal Primary School headmistress Dhanam, parents are reluctant to admit their wards in the school due to its proximity to the tank. “Although we follow activity based learning for standards I to V, the school strength is just 55.” Foul smell pervades the area. Parents are also apprehensive of possible mishaps as the tank is about three metres deep, she says.

The issue was discussed at the monthly meeting of the municipal council on Friday.

Ward councillor S. Ramesh explained the health hazards caused by the tank. He suggested that the municipality take over the tank from the Revenue Department and construct a commercial complex for generating revenue to the local body.

Chairman P. Mariappan assured him that the municipality would initiate action.

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