Kapaleeswarar tank runs dry; locals raise concerns
Spread across 7.5acres, the tank is 19.4ft-deep, has 36 steps, and features 10 rainwater harvesting points that help maintain water levels. In normal years, it holds water till the 26th step, around 5.1m of water, with levels rising during the monsoon.
"Till 1996, the tank would often dry up. But during former chief minister Jayalalithaa's tenure, it was desilted, and the water levels remained good. This is the first time in years that it's gone dry again.
It's disheartening to see it in such a state," said M J Thulasiram, a long-time resident of South Mada Street.
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Interestingly, nearby Chitrakulam, which once used to run dry, still holds water as it was desilted. Some residents suspect that borewell activity and metro rail tunnelling around the temple might have affected the groundwater table. "HR&CE department, along with PWD and Metrowater, must conduct a detailed study to identify the issue," said another local, K Vasudevan.
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On Tuesday morning, HR&CE minister P K Sekarbabu visited the site along with officials from PWD, Metrowater, and Greater Chennai Corporation. "PWD will begin soil testing to assess clay and sand composition. We are also checking the four wells inside the tank. Stormwater drains from nearby streets will be desilted to ensure better inflow," said Mylapore MLA Dha Velu.
P K Kavenitha, executive officer of Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple, confirmed that she visited the metro construction site. "We haven't reached a conclusion yet, but we are checking all angles," she said.
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