The incomplete beautification works on Aandipalayam irrigation tank here, taken up by different stakeholders about four months ago, is affecting the farmers in the command area and also the underground water table that provides the source of water for nearby hamlets. As part of the renovation works, removal of silt and other sediments to improve the storage capacity were taken up and also planned to erect fencing as well as walking track along the circumference of the tank. Besides it, the project envisaged revival of boating/recreational activities. Fencing is yet to be set up around the tank. Silts are now getting once again sediment on the tank area and open defecation taking place in the water holding area.
The pedalling boats are now lying in a pathetic state in the middle of the dry tank. Official sources told The Hindu that Rs 1.5 lakh of government assistance was given as economic assistance to subsidise the capital incurred by the SHG to purchase the boats from Kerala.
C. Ponnusamy, a farmer in the area who worked for revival of the tank over the decades, said steps needed to be taken up for bringing water to the tank for helping the farmers in the command area and also to recharge the seven borewell water supply systems in the area. Public Works Department (Water Resource Organisation) officials said that the water was not been diverted from River Noyyal to the tank through Mangalam supply channel mainly because sewage was coming mixed from the upstream and also partly owing to inadequate flow through Noyyal.
