CM okays Rs19cr to redevelop Cholagangam tank
Spread over 700 acres, the tank was built by Rajendra Chola I about 1,000 years ago to mark his success of Gangetic military expedition. He subsequently shifted the Chola capital from Thanjavur to Gangaikonda Cholapuram. According to a press release, the CM said that Rs12 crore will be used to strengthen the bunds of Cholagangam tank. The 15km spillway carrying surplus water, and 38km inlet canal will be desilted and redeveloped.
Sluice gates will be renovated too.
The plan would benefit 1,374 acres of cultivable land in at least seven villages near Jayankondam. The CM said the tank will be redeveloped by the tourism department at Rs 7.2 crore as a tourism spot. The plan includes creation of walking tracks on tank bunds, public parks for children with play areas, compound walls with fencing, green space with basic amenities and CCTV surveillance system.
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The govt has already sanctioned a museum for Rajendra Chola on 10 acres near Gangaikonda Cholapuram at Rs22.1 crore for which preliminary work has commenced.
The announcement has come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple on July 27. State govt's tourism, culture, and religious endowments departments along with Ariyalur district administration have been celebrating Aadi Thiruvathirai as a govt festival since 2021.
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