The Times of India               27.07.2013

Corporation plans revival of tanks to meet water needs

MADURAI: Shortage of water supply has been looming large in almost all the areas falling under the city limits including the newly-added areas, as bore wells have run high and dry. The corporation, which could not meet both ends of the water needs has proposed to revive significant water tanks in the city. As per the proposed project to meet the drinking water needs at Rs 139 crore, which was duly approved by the members of the council on Friday, facilitating water storage in the bodies would be provided importance.

Sinking bore wells in the water bodies to pump out water to the tune of 18 million litres to quench the city thirst is also the part of the proposed project. Strengthening the bunds around the water bodies and desiliting them to increase the storage capacities, beautification by establishing parks and fencing them for protection is also in the proposal.

The proposed project would be carried out under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) along with the corporation's share of funds. The project, which has been planned eyeing to meet the future water demands would focus on Vandiyur, Madakulam, Muthupatti Veeramudaiyan and S Kodikulam tanks. Although the project was hailed and duly approved in the council meet, councillors unanimously wanted the other tanks which have not been listed in the project wanted to be added into the list. They urged mayor V V Rajan Chellappa to add important tanks including Sellur and Naganakulam which are situated in residential areas. The mayor, after paying heed to the councillors' demand promised to include the left out tanks also.

Corporation commissioner R Nanthagopal said, "The natural water flow in the city areas would be enabled under the project. The rain water drainage channels would be cleared to collect the water," he said. A Mathuram, city engineer (in-charge) said that both the state as well as Central governments are encouraging projects like these. "We have proposed the project eyeing water needs in the summer time. We hope the project would be a successful one. It would take six months time to complete all the formalities. The project would be carried out once the approvals are acquired," he said.