Coimbatore Ponds to Quench City's Thirst

Coimbatore Corporation is embarking on a significant project to develop ponds across the city for rainwater storage and groundwater recharge. The initiative commences with the deepening of a pond in Saravanampatti, as announced on Friday.

In parallel, the Corporation has inspected 158,355 buildings, identifying 80,293 that require repairs or have non-functional rainwater harvesting systems. Notices are being prepared for these properties. The Corporation also plans to engage schoolchildren in raising awareness about rainwater harvesting.

Representatives from voluntary organizations proposed maintaining detailed records of inundated and unaffected areas to aid future planning. They also highlighted damage to palm saplings during recent desilting work, with approximately 500 of 1,300 damaged.

Concerns were raised about sewage mixing with rainwater in some of the 90 identified ponds. A proposal to dedicate the Saravanampatti pond solely for rainwater aims to benefit about 10,000 families and boost groundwater levels.

Voluntary groups advocate for year-round consultations on rainwater harvesting, rather than confining discussions to the monsoon season, ensuring continuous progress and action.