COIMBATORE: The city corporation is all set to restore the two ponds at Ajjanur near Veerakeralam with the help of an NGO under the Namakku Naame scheme.
The ponds are not in a usable condition, as they are not maintained properly. Nearby residents have been using the ponds to dump garbage and release sewage water. In the absence of maintenance, the ponds are by and large covered with invasive plants and trees as well.
A city corporation official said the NGO, Environmentalist Foundation of India, would contribute 60% of the fund for the restoration work. The remaining 40% expenses would be met by the civic body. “The NGO has already paid us its contribution of Rs32 lakh.”
Arun Krishnamurthy, founder, Environmentalist Foundation of India, said the work to remove garbage and invasive species has commenced by employing earthmovers. “Other works such as desilting, strengthening of banks and regulation of inlet and outlet channels would be carried out in the next few months. We are planning to complete the entire work by July-August.”
He said the rainwater from surrounding areas was the main source of water for the ponds. “These waterbodies are important to enrich the groundwater level in the locality. They could also help prevent flooding in the area.”
Krishnamoorthy said they had successfully completed restoration of six waterbodies – Kalapatti Mariamman Kovil tank, divisional office tank, Kalam Kuttai, Periyakuttai, Kathirakuttai and Thottipalayam lake – in the city so far. “All of them had received enough water during the northeast monsoon.”
The ponds are not in a usable condition, as they are not maintained properly. Nearby residents have been using the ponds to dump garbage and release sewage water. In the absence of maintenance, the ponds are by and large covered with invasive plants and trees as well.
A city corporation official said the NGO, Environmentalist Foundation of India, would contribute 60% of the fund for the restoration work. The remaining 40% expenses would be met by the civic body. “The NGO has already paid us its contribution of Rs32 lakh.”
Arun Krishnamurthy, founder, Environmentalist Foundation of India, said the work to remove garbage and invasive species has commenced by employing earthmovers. “Other works such as desilting, strengthening of banks and regulation of inlet and outlet channels would be carried out in the next few months. We are planning to complete the entire work by July-August.”
He said the rainwater from surrounding areas was the main source of water for the ponds. “These waterbodies are important to enrich the groundwater level in the locality. They could also help prevent flooding in the area.”
Krishnamoorthy said they had successfully completed restoration of six waterbodies – Kalapatti Mariamman Kovil tank, divisional office tank, Kalam Kuttai, Periyakuttai, Kathirakuttai and Thottipalayam lake – in the city so far. “All of them had received enough water during the northeast monsoon.”
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