Water experts and hydrologists have prepared a model for permanent water storage in the Vandiyur tank as a solution for water crisis in Madurai city.
On January 18, a public awareness programme on the theme, ‘Save Vandiyur Tank,’ is being organised by involving local people, students, waterways experts and voluntary organisations to make it a people’s movement. A rally will be taken out from Gandhi Museum.
The water conservation plan for the Vandiyur tank will be discussed at a meeting to be held at V.S. Chellam Century Hall, Kamarajar Salai, from 10 a.m.
A.C. Kamaraj, chairman of National Waterways Development Technology, told reporters on Friday that the model proposed 10-foot deepening of Vandiyur tank to retain water for summer.
“If our plan is implemented, we need not depend on Vaigai dam for water. Instead of laying pipelines, Madurai Corporation and Public Works Department can take up our plan because it gives a lasting solution to the water problem,” Mr. Kamaraj said. Stating that the plan details would be explained to Union Ministers Uma Bharti, Nitin Gadkari and Pon. Radhakrishnan, the water expert pointed out that ‘smart waterway’ was the order of the day instead of old methods to bring water to the city.
Mr. Kamaraj said estimated cost of the water storage plan would be around Rs 200 crore and it could be mobilised from the Central and State governments only if the Madurai Corporation and the PWD took initiatives. “Saving Vandiyur tank is an urgent issue because the forecast says the coming summer will be bad for city’s water needs. Our plan will enable storage of 225 million cubic feet of water. Areas such as K.K. Nagar, Anna Nagar and Gomathipuram will not have drinking water problem if a scientific plan is implemented,” he added.
Another water expert, M.D. Jayakumar, sought the support of Mayor V.V. Rajan Chellappa in the endeavour to desilt, deepen and store water in Vandiyur tank. “It will become a tourist spot and promote economic activity if the tank has water,” he said.
