The renovation of Muthampalayam pond in ward 34 is in full swing as the work is expected to be completed in another six months.
The pond, located along Chennimalai Road, once served as a source for recharging the ground water in the villages around it. However, due to poor maintenance and dumping of garbage, the pond lost its glory and the inlet source was also cut due to encroachments. The pond turned dry and the public have been demanding for desilting it. The corporation submitted a proposal for renovating the pond and the government sanctioned ₹ 2.75 crore. Tender was floated and work order was issued on May 17 for executing the work.
Work includes, desilting, constructing retaining wall, providing rainwater harvesting structure, footpath arrangements, bund strengthening, providing lighting facilities and also planting saplings for greenery. Currently, desilting work and construction of retaining wall is being carried out. Officials said that the rainwater harvesting structure would enable the pond to get more water from the nearby areas which are currently not reaching the pond. They added that once the work is completed, the pond would serve as a place for rejuvenation for the people in the area who can spend their leisure time.
The pond is located in an area where houses were mushrooming due to the increase in population. Residential areas have come up in large numbers in the past years and the area continues to grow. Hence, officials expect that upon completion of the work, the pond would serve as a major source for ground water recharge in the area.