Watch: How did the 40-acre Sengulam tank get desilted

Watch: How did the 40-acre Sengulam tank get desilted

Speaking to The Hindu, villagers said that the entire water body with a depth of 15-18 feet was filled with water lettuce, which proliferated in the water body.

The villagers, about a year back, appealed to the officials to remove them at the earliest as it reportedly posed a health hazard to many of them and their children.

It lead to an unknown type of mosquito attack, which left an itching sensation.

The irritation was high during winter and caused patches and bruises on the skin.

Learning about this, Theni Collector R V Shajeevana, after inspecting the tank, said that she would examine the modalities.

The then Revenue Divisional Officer (Periyakulam) and presently PA (General) to Collector, Muthu Mathavan and his team worked hard that the 40-acre tank with a depth of 15-18 feet, which was filled with lettuce was finally removed in about 100 days period.

Multiple department officials and engineers from the PWD, WRD, Rural Development, Panchayat officials were involved in the mission.

With the tank being cleaned up, the real depth was visible that many wondered it could be turned into a beautiful spot for boating.

Under the Namakku Naame Thittam, the beneficiary (here the Lakshmipuram residents) shall contribute one-third of the money and the rest two-third would come in from the State government.

After working the costs, the officials said that an estimated sum of Rs 1.25 crore may be required for sprucing up by laying a walk-way around the tank.

As and when it comes, the tank would soon become a tourist spot.

The village panchayat had put up boards along the water body that whoever dumped waste, would be fined Rs 1000.

Cameras have been installed and the 40-acre tank is filled with water.

It is a scenic beauty and the district administration has proved its mettle that we can take up such challenges.