It cannot be said that everything is lost. The Teppam in Virudhunagar, an outstanding example of people’s initiative to harvest rainwater, radiates hope.
A few remaining temple tanks in the city can augment groundwater table. Mariamman Teppakulam, the second largest temple tank in the State, next to Kamalalayam of Tiruvarur, is spread over an area of 22.97 hectares and has a capacity to store 0.24 million cubic metres of water.
The other tanks that can hold water are Koodal Alagar Temple tank (1.25 hectares and 0.01 million cubic metres), Tallakulam Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Perumal Temple tank (3.7 hectares and 0.01 million cubic metres) and Ramar Oorani in Palanganatham (3.46 hectares and 0.01 million cubic metres). These tanks can emulate the Virudhunagar Teppam.
Mr. Amalraj firmly believes that by finding extraordinary ways to recharge groundwater, it will be possible to ease the situation. He suggests digging of giant recharge pits to collect and store rainwater in thickly populated areas. The work can be undertaken right away in the Shopping Complex bus stand where reconstruction is under way and at the old central market where a parking lot is coming up. Space for the pits can be acquired from private parties with enhanced compensation. Recharge pits can be created in Simmakkal, Mahal and S. S. Colony areas, he says. This may require tweaking of the existing underground drainage system.