Trichy Tank Rehab: Sewage Flow Threatens Rs. 1.4 Crore Project

The Water Resources Department (WRD) has initiated a Rs. 1.4 crore project to rehabilitate Mavadikulam tank, Trichy's largest water body. This 142-acre tank in Ponmalaipatti is crucial for groundwater recharge in nearby residential areas. Rehabilitation efforts are focused on removing aquatic weeds and prosopis juliflora from the tank bed, alongside strengthening the bunds and redeveloping walking tracks. The project is expected to conclude by August. However, a persistent challenge is the ongoing inflow of sewage from adjacent residential neighborhoods. Environmental activists have voiced concerns that this pollution could undermine the rehabilitation work, leading to the rapid germination of weeds again. WRD has formally requested the Trichy Corporation to address the sewage issue. Previously, a Rs. 1.9 crore beautification project in 2020 also faltered due to similar pollution concerns. A solution is on the horizon as the Trichy Corporation is implementing underground drainage project phases II and III, which are expected to divert wastewater within the next six months.