Date:08/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/08/stories/2008080861300800.htm

Tamil Nadu

487 ‘ooranies’ to be revitalised in Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga

T. Ramakrishnan

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board is set to launch a programme for revitalising 487 ‘ooranies’ or waterbodies, in Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga districts.

People of the southern districts attach importance to ‘ooranies’ as they traditionally use them as their main source of drinking water. They always compare the quality of water from other sources with that of water stored in ‘ooranies,’ and invariably they consider the water from ‘oorani’ superior, says a senior official of the Board. ‘Ooranies’ have been harvesting rainwater in the region, which receives low rain.

Neglect and silting

Over the years, these waterbodies have fallen into disuse, owing to human neglect and silting. And many have become polluted with fertilizer used in catchments.

Aware of the significance of these waterbodies, the officials have taken steps to revitalise them in the last four years. Now, with the financial assistance from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, the TWAD Board plans to rejuvenate these water sources at a cost of Rs. 25 crore. Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin will launch the programme at a function on August 17 at Sivaganga.

Bids to be floated

For most of the waterbodies, the Board will carry out the work after floating bids, and in respect of 40-50 ‘ooranies,’ the officials are toying with the idea of roping in non-governmental organisations. In either case, the local community will be involved, the official says.

The Board has studied lessons from a pilot project implemented a few years ago by the Rural Development Department, together with Anna University-Chennai. Treatment of catchments, inlet and outlet arrangements, clay lining wherever necessary and filter media arrangement will be among the components of the revitalisation programme.

The official says it is planned to cover all the waterbodies before the northeast monsoon sets in by the middle of October.

Normally, in the southern districts, the monsoon turns vigorous in the second half of November. The Board also proposes to sensitise the presidents of all village panchayats to the importance of the programme.