The Periya Eri and the Chinna Eri in Thuraiyur remain neglected posing a health hazard to residents of this town.
Both tanks have been converted into a garbage dump and farmers have pleaded for their renovation. The ancient Thuraiyur Zamindars had set up the Pereiya Ei with a bungalow at its midst. Once the Periya Eri overflows, the surplus is discharged into the Chinna eri.
While the Periya Eri is located on the outskirts of the town, the Chinna Eri is located in front of the bus stand. The water in the Chinna Eri was potable and the Thuraiyur Mnicipality had been drawing water for supply to wards till it was polluted around 1990. Huge volume of plastic waste is found choking supply channelsfrom the Periya Eri to the Chinna Eri. Of the two tanks, the Chinna Eri, by virtue of its location close to shops, hospitals and restaurants, has taken the brunt of pollution.
Besides, its bunds have been weakened.
Local residents urged the Public Works Department to evolve a plan for simultaneous conservation of both tanks. They said that though representations had been sent to the authorities, nothing had materialised. Office-bearers of Tiruchi District Farmer Producer Company, Thuraiyur, say that action should be taken for the preservation of the water bodies. Official sources said that steps had been taken for dredging of the tanks in a phased manner. A proposal has been sent to the state government for dredging and beautification of the tanks. Steps would be taken to clear the encroachments.
