Most temple tanks remained half filled despite heavy
rains and flooding at many places in Chennai recently. Except a few temple tanks
like Parthasarathy temple tank in Triplicane, many tanks remained half filled.
The reason can be traced back to the water drainage system with which these
tanks were originally built. These tanks were originally connected to storm
water drainage system from the surrounding areas. The excess water from the
tanks were also drained through channels constructed in the tanks. The feeder
channels were encroached upon is the reason why these tanks got less water in
the rainy season. I heard that such networks of feeder channels are intact in
Madurai tanks. Hope Maduraiites remain ever vigilant in safe guarding those
channels.
From
The puzzle of half-full tanks
The recent heavy rain spells might have had a
positive impact on groundwater levels in the city and suburbs. At the same
time, there are many temple tanks that have not been filled to the brim despite
copious rains. In a bid to find remedial measures, the Rain Centre is surveying
the impact of the floods.
Based on the findings of the survey, suggestions
will be presented to the Sustainable Water Security Mission, which was recently
formed by the government to restore water bodies and meet the city’s drinking
water needs. The Mission comprises representatives of voluntary organisations
and government departments.
In Triplicane, the Parthasarathy temple tank is
full, while not very far away, the Tiruvatteeswarar temple tank is not.
Residents of Triplicane said the stormwater drains and channels were obstructed
and not linked properly to the temple tank. The tank of Kasi Viswanathar temple
in Ayanavaram, is also in a similar condition. To study the contrast, the Rain
Centre recently worked with the Chennai Corporation to improve channels
connected to tanks in Madhavaperumal temple, Mylapore and Vadivudaiamman
temple, Tiruvottiyur.
The survey will seek details about the intensity and
time of flooding in a specific area and information about temple tanks and
groundwater level before and after the heavy rain.
The Centre’s director Sekhar Raghavan said:
“Groundwater level has gone up by 3 metres across the city. We are also inviting
residents to write to the centre atsekar1479@yahoo.co.in. This may help to
prepare an action plan to prevent floods and also restore ancient water
bodies,” he said.
