A number of buildings constructed decades ago in the vicinity of Ponnaniyar Dam have been in disuse indicating the neglected condition of the dam area.
Look around any building, either it is in a damaged condition or looks like a haunted house, testifying to the poor attention with regard to its maintenance.
The dam, built during the 70s, has been a source for breeding high quality fishes. The Fisheries Department had constructed a variety of buildings for encouraging off-shore fish farm. An exclusive office building for Inspector of Fisheries had been constructed in the dam area.
With the dam located in the junction of Karur and Tiruchi districts, Fisheries Department officials of both districts used to camp at this dam. The dam is capable of stocking storm water. Due to drop in realisation of water over the years, the fish wealth has been on the wane.
“In fact, a cooperative fisheries society had been formed at this dam as it was suitable for breeding high quality fishes,” an official said. But the infrastructure has been in disuse due to poor catch.
The only solace is the full-fledged children’s park at the dam, which is properly maintained by the the Public Works Department. A security has been posted at the entrance for collecting entrance fee, a rare phenomenon to be seen at an interior and isolated dam area.