The Hindu             30.07.2013 

Tank beautification work to be taken up again

The Corporation will re-lay the tiled walkers’ path skirting the Nainarkulam tank. An outlay of Rs.4.25 crore has been earmarked for the project. A resolution to this effect was passed by the Corporation Council meeting on Monday.

The path was laid seven years ago at a cost of Rs 40 lakh.

Last upgraded in 2006, the water body is shunned by the public as it is choked with hyacinth, sewage and garbage.

As part of the upgrade, a retaining wall was constructed in the northern and eastern parts of this tank at a cost of Rs.1.25 crore to prevent sewage from flowing into it. The narrow road connecting Thatchanallur and Tirunelveli Town along the bank of the tank was widened to ease traffic congestion. A new bridge was also constructed and sodium vapour lamps were installed along the stretch.

The walkers’ path was laid shortly afterward.

The tank drew a steady stream of visitors. But all that changed when garbage began to be dumped into it and the pathway used for open defecation.

Monday’s Council meeting convulsed over the issue with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam members walking out in protest.

Mayor Vijila Sathyananth fielded complaints about theft and fraud and assured the councillors that closed-circuit television cameras would be fitted at vantage points in the four zones of the Corporation to curb this and other unlawful activities.