The Manodai lake near Pullambadi, which had seen its storage capacity shrink over the years due to poor maintenance, has been revived, thanks to the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) initiative by the district administration and Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd.
The lake is getting steady inflow of water for the past few days following the rains and indications are that it could fill up fast if the Pullampadi area receives two or three good showers similar to the one on Sunday.
The lake is an important water body serving the people of Pullambadi union in Tiruchi district and Thirumanur union in Ariyalur district.
When a few farmers mooted the idea of reviving the lake, Dalmia Cement decided to volunteer for the desilting project. While it sponsored men, machinery and money, the Public Works Department (RC division) provided technical assistance and guidance.
The rehabilitation works that began in 2017 has come to an end. Besides manpower, Dalmia Cement used earth movers, bulldozers, loaders and tippers to deepen the lake, which has a water spread area of 450 acres, and transport the mud and silt.
The bund of the lake for 2.5 km has been strengthened. Similarly, the inlet channel of the lake, which has a connectivity with the Pullambadi vaical, has been cleared. In addition to it, the outlet channels of the lake that carry water for irrigation in Palanganatham, Pudur Palayam and other areas have also been desilted. Sluices have also been constructed.
According to officials, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd, which has a plant at neighbouring Kallakudi, has spent ₹21 lakh for the project. More than 13,000 cubic meter of silt has been cleared.
“It is a good PPP initiative. The lake has been fully rehabilitated with the active participation of all stakeholders,” said Collector K. Rajamani , who inspected the progress of the works recently.
R.A. Krishnakumar, Executive Director, Dalmia Cement, said the company was happy to be part of revival of the lake. It was an important drinking water source and also helped recharge ground water in 20 villages of Pullambadi union in Tiruchi district and Thirumanur union in Ariyalur district.
S. Santhi, Personal Assistant (Agriculture) to the Collector, said the lake had abundant growth of plants and bushes before the start of the project. Over 2,200 acres in Govandakurichi, Pudur Palayam, Palangatham and neighbouring areas would benefit through it.