Three waterbodies – Iyyankulam, Samanthankulam and Sivagangaikulam – within Thanjavur Corporation limits are to be revived under the smart city project at a total cost of ₹10.25 crore.
Among the three waterbodies, the preliminary works of clearing debris and other waste materials from the tank bed of Iyyankulam and erection of pillars to construct walls to support existing brick-and-mortar walls on all four sides of the tank, has commenced. The water inlet and outlet channels of this tank has been reportedly cut off due to the indiscriminate urbanization activities over the years around this waterbody.
Concrete structures that have come up around this tank has kept the waterbody out of public view. Wild growths on the walls and the dilapidated condition of the steps leading to the tank-bed from the road have almost turned this waterbody into a waste dumping yard.
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Samanthankulam near the Old Bus Stand also faces a similar condition. One fourth of the waterbody has been covered with debris and other waste materials.
These two tanks have been linked with underground inlet channels from the Sivagangaikulam and the moat that exist around the town. Sources claim that a portion of the moat starting from the south-east corner to south-west corner has been linked with the Grand Anaicut Canal that takes off from the right flank of the Grand Anaicut and traverses roughly 100 kilometres in Thanjavur district and another 45 kilometres in Pudukottai district before emptying into Mumbalai tank near South Vellar river in Pudukottai district.
As on date, a portion of the moat that once encircled the Big Temple and the Thanjavur town has vanished from the Keezhavasal area to the existing Grand Anaicut Canal passing near Pillukara Street, sources pointed out.
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However, under the Smart City project attempts are being made to revive the existing part of the moat from near the Big Temple up to the Keezhavasal area.