Anyone watching Chitrakulam, the tank belonging to Adi Kesava Perumal Koil in Mylapore, would notice a pattern. During the annual Tepam festival, the tank receives considerable attention, only to be ignored when the event is past.
It’s now dry as a bone, and overgrown with weeds and grass. Last year, renovations were carried out. From the look of it, the initiative seemed aimed at ensuring the tank had water all year long.
Steps were constructed and a new mandapam was erected in the middle of the tank. Residents were pleased with what appeared to be efforts to revive the tank. But, with the conclusion of Tepam festival earlier this year, the tank was back to looking as dry as before.
“They only cleaned the tank, whereas the RWH lines constructed on the adjoining streets were not connected to the tank. The rainwater was lost. This year, work has not been taken up yet. On the tank bed, grass has grown tall,” says Ramkumar, a resident of the area for over 50 years.
Stormwater drains from Appu Street, Salai Street and Tank Road have been connected to Chitrakulam, but the lines are blocked. Residents say dumping of garbage and vegetable waste in the openings of the drains is the major reason.
Until 1985, the tank was in excellent condition, filled to the brim with water. And then slowly, it started to go dry.
“During my schooling days, both Kapleeshwarar Temple tank and Chitrakulam were dry. While we could play cricket inside the Kapleeshwarar tank, even in those days Chitrakulam was so dirty that we never entered it. Now Kapleeshwarar tank is a sight to behold. Chitrakulam, meanwhile, is going from bad to worse,” says Balaji, who has been living on Chitrakulam West Street for over 38 years.
He says though work was taken up last year it was abandoned mid-way.
“Only 20 per cent of the work was completed. The trust should take steps to maintain the tank. Years ago, the area had a good amount of groundwater. The reason was the tank. Now, we can’t use bore water anymore.”
