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Tamil Nadu Government takes immense efforts to revive temple tanks
The Tamil Nadu State Government is taking immense efforts to revive temple tanks in Tamil Nadu. There are about 56 in the city, and over 1,000 across the state- as they have socio-cultural and ecological importance.Tamil Nadu abounds with 2,359 temple tanks located in 1,586 temples. Of them, 1,291 are said to be in good condition while 1,068 have been identified for repairs and renovation.
As of now, 528 tanks have been renovated by the present government. Apart from deepening and desilting the tanks, officials have been relaying the steps of the tanks, besides constructing a compound wall around.Clearing encroachments in and around the tanks and providing facility for inflow of rainwater into the tanks are among the other works.The works were initiated by the state Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) department following chief minister J. Jayalalithaa’s intervention.For long, temple tanks have occupied a prime position in harvesting rainwater and conducting the annual float festivals.In Kancheepuram, for instance, there are seven temple tanks corresponding to the days of the week and each tank has its own significance.
According to a survey by C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, here, of the 35 tanks surveyed, 22 belong to the Pallava and Chola period dating to the 7th to 12th century A.D.The Sri Ekambareswarar temple at Park Town and Sri Mallikeswara temple at Parrys Corner and their tanks were constructed between the 5th and 9th century A.D. and rebuilt about 500 years ago.Sadly, the tanks of Kasi Visvanathar temple at Velachery and Agastheeswarar temple at Valsaravakkam appear like small pools.
Presently, most of the tanks like the
Chithirakulam tank in Mylapore, go dry during summer.On the other hand, the
spacious and clean tank of the Sri Kapaleshwarar temple, Mylapore said to be
330 years old contains water always, thanks to effective conservation
measures.Though officials blame local residents for not showing concern,
activists say that organisations like the Rotary Club and Exnora had taken up
restoration in the past but the onus of maintaining them effectively rests with
the HR & CE which administers the temples.
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