Sankey Tank is one of the few remaining lung spaces in the heart of the city. This is what attracts more than 3,000 people to it every day. During early mornings, the water body is frequented by joggers and walkers; during evenings, senior citizens and young children from nearby areas come over for a bit of fresh air.
However, not all’s rosy with the picturesque tank. Over the years, its’ bund has weakened at more than three places. This has led to cracks developing on the walking track.
Poor drainage
The workers at the tank claimed that the foundation of the walking track over the bund had weakened due to rainwater. This is because the width of weep holes is narrow and does not allow rainwater to drain into the lake.
Local councillor M.S. Shivaprasad conceded that the bund had weakened.
“However, it is not serious. The bund is not in any danger of collapsing anytime. We have caught it in time.”
Repair work
He said that the vertical wall under the bund doesn’t have weeping holes. The constant water current and erosion over a period of time had led to the weakening of the wall.
The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) would soon be taking up strengthening of the tank bund.
“In another 15-20 days, the work order for the same will be issued. The work has been pending for the past three years,” he said.
He also said that following the recommendation of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), the tank bund would be strengthened by incorporating gabion boxes. The gabion box technology is used to strengthen embankments, bunds and shores against erosion.
“Even the railways and other government bodies have used this technology to build dams and bridges. To strengthen the bund, there is no need to empty the water body,” he claimed.
He added that the work will be taken up in phases: first on the western side at a cost of Rs. 1.72 crore, then on the eastern side at a cost of Rs. 2 crore, followed by the southern side. “On the northern side, we are planning to construct a bridge connecting the western and eastern sides of the tank. We are yet to estimate the work.”
Dr. Shivaprasad said that the work will not affect the walking track. “Hopefully, we will not have to close the track.”
