The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Stress on renovating temple tanks

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Friday, Jul 11, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Stress on renovating temple tanks

Staff Reporter

“Renovation will lead to higher groundwater recharge”

— Photo: S.R.Raghunathan

Refurbishing: HR and CE Minister K.R.Periyakaruppan launching the Marundeeswarar temple tank renovation work in Chennai on Thursday. Chief Secretary L.K.Tripathy and Mayor M.Subramanian are in the picture.

CHENNAI: Chief Secretary L.K.Tripathy underscored the need for renovation of several temple tanks in the State.

“We are in short supply of drinking water. The tanks are important sources of drinking water in Tamil Nadu and their renovation would lead to higher groundwater recharge,” he said at a function to commence the Marundeeswarar temple tank renovation in Thiruvanmiyur on Thursday.

He hoped that the work would be completed before monsoon.

“The Chief Minister has asked us to identify temple tanks in Tamil Nadu that require renovation to address the issue as soon as possible,” said Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister K.R.Periyakaruppan.

Of the 2,235 temple tanks under the control of the Department 1,286 tanks have been renovated. The remaining will be renovated soon, the Minister said.

“The services of groundwater specialists have been sought to address the problem of the rapid drying up of the Marundeeswarar temple tank. The 35-feet-high sandy soil in the temple tank on account of the proximity to the sea causes quick percolation of water,” said Sundaram, Additional Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

Chennai Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni said that restoration and renovation of the temple tank is expected to bring down the percolation to 50 per cent. The work would also involve restoration of stormwater routes of the tank to keep it continuously charging.

The Corporation has taken measures to renovate tanks in four places in Chennai.

“Many villagers are maintaining the temple tanks themselves. This has helped the recharge of groundwater in the area. Temple land grabbing by some individuals has to be curbed and the lands should be returned,” Tambaram MLA S.R. Raja said.

“The renovation of the 25-ground-area Marundeeswarar temple tank would be a boon to all the devotees and the people residing near the temple. The renovation at a cost of Rs.20 lakh would involve filling up of 2-feet-high clay to impede quick percolation of water in the tank,” said Mayor M.Subramanian.

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