Greater Chennai Corporation banks on temple tanks

Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation is taking steps towards sustainable development. The civic body has roped in an environmental NGO to rejuvenate the temple tanks in the city, which has over 109 temple tanks.

In a recent meet with Deputy Commissioner (Works) and Chief Engineer (SWD), members of Sabari Green Foundation had shared the technology, which was accepted by officials.

Talking to Deccan Chronicle, V. Ramarao of Sabari Green Foundation said that inlets would be created to 17 tanks in the initial phase. Inlets would be dug at all sides of the tank to store the excess rainwater from households and roads.  
“Collecting the excess water from storm water drains is the goal. As storm water drains are the carriers of pollutants and sullage water in most places, we have ruled out linking them to tanks,” said V. Subramani, another member.

The move, which brings out an environmental perspective to the historically profound temple tanks in Chennai, would go waste without the cooperation from the civil society. “Public needs to be sensitised to not litter around the inlet point,” said Ramarao.

Corporation officials said they have teamed with HR and CE?? department and Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board for the project. The intensity of percolation is a question as some temple tanks are made of cement structures, rather than clay. Officials said the issue would be addressed during the next phase of the project.

Thyagaraja Swami temple at Thiruvotriyur, Madhava Perumal temple at Mylapore, Royapuram’s Angala Parameswari temple, Gangadeeswarar temple at Purasaiwalkam are among the 17 temple tanks listed to carry out the project.