An unused rainwater harvesting structure near Tirukadaiyur, built during the Chola period, will be restored to its past glory thanks to an initiative taken under the ‘self-sufficiency scheme.’
The rainwater harvesting structure is a large square tank, measuring 85 metres on each side. Though it was up to the brim during the monsoon in the past decades, the storage got dried up during the summer. Formation of silt was another major problem due to the absence of bund walls.
The tank is located at Pillaipereumalnallur beside Sri Brahmmapuriswarar Temple. Even now water for some daily rituals for the presiding deity of Sri Abirami in the adjoining temple at Tirukadaiyur is taken from one of the wells of this temple. Inaccessibility to the tank has been one of the main problems faced by the residents of a cluster of villages.
Based on repeated plea from villagers, the district administration mooted a plan to take up the work under the self-sufficiency scheme.
A project report was prepared at an estimate of Rs. 87.19 lakh with community support. “It has been planned to dredge the entire tank so as to enhance its capacity for storage. Steps would be taken to facilitate access to the tank for the villagers,” said Collector S. Palanisamy.
The PPN Power Generating Company has come forward to contribute Rs. 29,06,400, being one-third share of the public.
S. Gopal, senior vice-president (Plant) of the firm, said the water available in the tank would facilitate re-charging of the groundwater table in the cluster of hamlets in the vicinity. He handed over the cheque to the Collector on Monday.
