Date:09/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/09/stories/2008040953820300.htm

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Tamil Nadu

Overhead water tank may collapse any time

S. Prasad

The tank is constructed to supply water to 300 families in Thippanapalli panchayat

“The concrete on the four pillars have fallen in several places. The tank leaks during rainy days”

— PHOTO: N. BASHKARAN

Nearing disintegration : The overhead water tank at Thipannapalli in is in a dilapidated condition.

Krishnagiri: The overhead water tank at K. Thippanapalli in Billanur panchayat near Veppanapalli is in a precarious position and in danger of collapsing at any time.

The tank with a capacity of 5,000 litres was constructed about 22 years ago by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board to supply water to 300 families in Thippanapalli panchayat.

Deterioration

But it slowly started showing signs of deterioration with concrete chips breaking off and creating apprehension about its safety.

Leak

“The concrete in the four pillars have fallen in several places. The tank leaks during rainy days” say villagers.

Contaminated

Infact the tank had not been cleaned for the past two years as it is in a shaky position. As a result the water is contaminated with larvae posing a grave health hazard.

Villagers unaware of the impending risk are forced to drink the water as their fervent plea went unheard by the authorities.

Though repeated representations were made to authorities concerned to demolish the tank and construct a new one nothing concrete has emerged till date.

Another problem facing the panchayat is mosquito menace due to accumulation of garbage in several places. The panchayat is facing severe manpower shortage say villagers.