Aiming to tap South-West Monsoon expected to commence in June, Siruthuli, in association with other agencies, on Tuesday started cleaning of four water bodies in Coimbatore.
Minister for Municipal Administration S. P. Velumani launched the cleaning works at Pudhukkulam, near Vedapatti, Ukkulam at Semmedu, Ganganarayanasamudram and Sottaiyandi Kuttai, near Perur.
Siruthuli plans to clean seven tanks that fall under the Noyyal river system by June, to rejuvenate them.
The silt accumulated in the base of all these tanks will be removed using excavators to increase the water holding capacity.
While cleaning of Pudhukkulam will be done with the help of the PSG and Sons' Charities Trust, the Semmedu-Ukkulam Irrigation and Rural Farmers’ Welfare Association will team up with Siruthuli for cleaning Ukkulam.
Mr. Velumani said that the State Government will extend all support to the organisations that are involved in the works.
He said that the silt from these tanks can be used by farmers for agriculture purposes.
Vanitha Mohan, managing trustee of Siruthuli, said that the cleaning works will help increase the water holding capacity of the tanks, which will directly reflect in the ground water level.
“All the seven tanks are free from sewage contamination and can store clean water. While tanks in the rural parts will benefit the farmers, those close to the city will recharge the ground water level in urban areas,” she said.
'Seemai karuvelam' trees around the tanks will be removed.
K. Mayilsamy, project coordinator of Siruthuli, said that the NGO has identified 45 small tanks in Perur taluk that could be cleaned before the onset of the monsoon. The average expense for cleaning one such tank is between ₹ 3 lakh to ₹15 lakh.
Ms. Mohan said that companies and individuals could take part in the massive drive by contributing towards meeting the expense of excavators or trucks.
