Siruthuli revives Mariamman temple check dam in Coimbatore city

Coimbatore City Round Table 31 and Coimbatore City Ladies Circle 16, two NGOs working towards the welfare of Coimbatore city in various sectors, on Tuesday launched the Mariamman temple check dam, Kovaipudur - the first pond restoration project that was executed by water conservation leader Siruthuli.

The endeavour is backed by Stalwart Group of Companies and was inaugurated in the presence of Deputy Mayor R. Vetriselvan, managing trustee of Siruthuli Vanitha Mohan, Coimbatore City Round Table 31 chairman Tr. Lakshmiganth Krishnan, and Coimbatore City Ladies Circle 16 chairperson R.S. Vidhya.

Mr. Krishnan said the check dam nestled between Arivozhi Nagar and Kovaipudur, lies along a stream originating from the Western Ghats. The region, grappling with rapid urbanisation, has faced severe water crisis. Borewells in Arivozhi Nagar and Kovaipudur ran dry, even at depths of 1,000 feet, highlighting the dire need for effective water conservation measures, he said.

Over time, the existing check dams in the area had fallen into disuse, unable to retain rainwater, which flowed downstream without replenishing groundwater reserves. This left the land parched and borewells unproductive. Recognising the urgency of the situation, Siruthuli, Coimbatore City Round Table 31 and Coimbatore City Ladies Circle 16, undertook the rejuvenation of the Mariamman Temple check dam, he added.

Siruthuli initiated the desilting and restoration on October and as of today, it had already filled thrice and contributed by storing and recharging 24 million litres of water. He said that saving water and sewage treatment are the most important needs and thanked Siruthuli for executing the project on time at a cost of ₹9.22 lakh. He also thanked Christopher Arvinth, MD, Stalwart Group of Companies for his contribution.

Vanitha Mohan, managing trustee, Siruthuli said that the pond will help recharge the groundwater level in a short time and cater to not just the humans, but birds, trees and animals. “We plan to undertake plantations around the check dam and desilt multiple upstream structures to further enhance water conservation,” she added.

Published - December 25, 2024 07:42 pm IST