Thamaraikulam in Pallikaranai on Tambaram-Velachery Main Road, which was in a state of neglect, has now been turned into a space for leisure.
Under renovation for the last one year, it was opened to the public in February. Since then, it has been drawing many visitors.
The tank, which is spread over 3.66 cares, is girded by a 400-metre circular walkway. Plants, trees (recently planted) and medicinal herbs are found on either side of the walkway. Lotuses are found in the tank, where ducks swim.
Of the four staircases leading to the tank, three allow visitors to climb down to the tank. A small stretch of the pathway has pebbles. The facility also has a tower clock and a stage.
Vijay Srinivasan, a resident of Pallikarnai, says, “The problem of having to visit faraway places to spend our leisure hours has been solved now.”
Besides senior citizens, children and youngsters also visit the facility in large numbers. G. Sharadha, a resident of IIT Colony in Narayanapuram, says, “Though we have a big park in our neighbourhood, I prefer to come to the Thamaraikulam tank. I don’t mind the 2-km travel from my house.” Besides visitors from Pallikaranai, many from other places, including Medavakkam, Velachery and Tambaram, visit the tank.
The tank is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Anu Radha, a resident of Ambal Nagar and a regular visitor, says, “The place is now clean and beautiful. I hope it will be maintained well too.”
According to a Corporation official, “The tank (in Ward 189) was renovated at a cost of Rs. 91 lakh that was allotted from the Mayor’s funds. The Mayor was keen on imparting an old-world charm to the tank. So, he insisted on having native species of plants and trees. Further, a new set of trees and plant saplings and climbers will be planted. Also, an additional pebble path and a shelter during rains would be in place soon.”
