Veliyakulam, the sprawling pond at Kodankara ward in Chenkal panchayat near Udiyankulangara, which three years ago looked like a dense outgrowth of vegetation and a dumping yard, has regained its past glory thanks to the efforts of residents and authorities of the civic body.
If it was an eyesore four years ago, Veliyakulam has now become a bright, clean water body filled with copious water to cater the irrigation needs of the local population, which largely depends on agriculture for livelihood.
“I was born and bought up here. The bountiful site of the pond was a delight to watch. We never had water problem and most of the residents used to bath in the pond. Living close to the pond, it was really pathetic to see its degeneration. Now it’s back to its pristine glory,” Chellan, a farmer who turned 80 last month, said.
The happiness of locals became palpable at a two-day event, including cultural programmes and seminars, held last week on the banks of the pond to mark the restoration work.
Originally spread over 38 acres, the pond’s expanse had shrunk to 21 acres due to encroachment for agriculture purpose, and over the years, like many other water bodies, it had run dry and of late the area become a perfect place for dumping waste.
Dense outgrowth of vegetation almost levelled the vast expanse of the pond, said former president of Chenkal panchayat G. Appukuttan said. Scarcity of water, which was quite alien to the residents of Kodankara a decade ago, suddenly became widespread in the area, he added.
The problem to source water for drinking and irrigation purposes led the residents to launch a campaign sometime around 2005, said Sanil Kulathungal, who lives close to the pond. After a sustained campaign, the government and Chenkal panchayat arrived at a decision to clean up Veliyakulam, and accordingly work started on October 3, 2009, he said.
Tonnes of mud was excavated from the pond to increase its storage capacity and the civic body fetched around Rs.98 lakh through auction of the mud, vice president of Chenkal panchayat Vattavila Rajkumar said.With the restoration, the panchayat now plans to develop Veliyakulam as an ecotourism spot.
The plan includes beautification of the pond, construction of walkways, lawn, a children’s park-cum-garden, fountains, yoga centre, health club, a conference hall in Kerala tradition and indoor games block.A sum of Rs.2.70 crore has been set aside for developing the site, Mr. Rajkumar.
Apart from the funds available with the panchayat, Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor had offered to assist the development programmes.He had already made available money for the purchase of a boat, he added.
On the ecotourism project, District Collector K.N. Satheesh said the district administration would submit the plan prepared by the panchayat to the State government for its consideration.Veliyakulam has changed from a dumping yard to a bright, clean pond.
Source: The Hindu, July 31, 2013