MADURAI
Farmers, members of various residents’ welfare associations, students and environmental activists took part in a brainstorming session to discuss ways to revive the cascading system of the Vandiyur tank here on Saturday.
The Vandiyur tank, in the northern part of the city, is one of the biggest waterbodies. The tank receives water from three sources — from the 30th sluice of the Periyar water channel, Sathaiyaru dam in Alanganallur and Athikulam tank. There are 16 tanks, from these three routes, in the linking channel of the Vandiyur tank.
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DHAN Foundation, along with HCL, conducted the session under an initiative called ‘Revival of Vandiyur tank system.’
The participants highlighted the issues at these linking tanks and provided solutions to ensure proper flow of water to the Vandiyur tank.
Encroachment along the banks, low upkeep of the water tanks and thick growth of Prosopis juliflora were highlighted to be the major problems in these tanks.
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“The underground drainage lines from residences find their way to most of the water channels leading to the Vandiyur tank. These channels are filled with sludge and floating garbage, including plastic,” said Rajan, chief co-ordinator, Vaigai Nathi Makkal Iyakkam.
The speakers reiterated the significance of desilting these waterbodies to increase the water-holding capacity. “Even after heavy rains, the Vandiyur tank turns dry within about two days,” says D. Raghavan, president, Gomathipuram and Thendral Nagar Residents’ Association.
The participants urged the residents to make sure that the water tanks in their vicinity are maintained properly.
“People, who are acquainted with the water tanks in their respective areas must form a group to undertake the desilting and maintain the tanks,” said S. Muthukumar, a participant.
S. Elamuhil, co-ordinator of the initiative, asked the residents to accomplish the goal in a phased manner. “Once we achieve the first step in rejuvenating the water tanks, we will move on to the next step,” he added.