How Thirukazhukundram is setting an example in reviving waterbodies

Chennai: Once a parched town relying on tractors to fetch water, Thirukazhukundram is now on revival mode. The panchayat leveraged multiple govt schemes to restore 16 long-neglected ponds and boost groundwater levels in nearby villages, investing 4.17 crore.Located in Chengalpet district, Thirukazhukundram Special Grade Municipality spans 11.20 sq km and encompasses 18 wards with 8,300 households spread across Mangalam, Rudrankoil, M N Kuppam and Thirukazhukundram panchayats. Daily water consumption is 24 lakh litres, mainly sourced from Palar River and Keerapakkam Lake.The 16 ponds in the area were essential groundwater sources, but years of neglect led to a drop in groundwater levels by 2015. Worse, the Palar which once supplied 50% of the municipality's drinking water dried up due to inadequate rainfalland and the municipality brought water by tractors, limiting each household to 2-4 pots.Fortunately, rainfall in subsequent years helped things, prompting residents to call for measures to strengthen groundwater levels. G D Yuvaraj, the panchayat chairman, said that upon taking office, he secured funds from the 15th Finance Commission to create a model pond. "We revived Sunambu Kulam in Mangalam by deepening it and raising the bund height, allowing it to hold up to 30 ft water. After the rains, water storage increased, and nearby wells saw improved water quality," he said.In 2023, Vannam Kulam in Thirukazhukundram town was selected for restoration under Kalaignar Urban Development Scheme (KNMT). "Previously, water would dry up by April or May. After desilting, it now lasts over a year," Yuvaraj said. "We have also undertaken revival of Thondanar Theertham, Indira Theertham, Andu Arasan Kulam, and Valai Kulam under Amrut 2.0 and KNMT. Soon, these ponds will be full, with desilting, strengthened banks, walkways, and new lighting to beautify the area."C S Seenuvasan, a resident, says only a few ponds were desilted 15 years ago, and only one was successfully revived. "Our well water is also salty," he noted, emphasising the long-standing demand for pond restoration. "It's essential that these ponds are well-maintained in the years ahead, with regular desilting."Aravindan Sampath Kumar, a long-time resident, said the restoration has also enhanced safety. "A walking track has been added at Vannam Kulam, behind Thirukazhukundram Boys School. Lights have been installed to deter anti-social activities, and now yoga and self-defence classes are held here. Just three years ago, the area was in a pathetic state," he said.