Kushalnagar,
Jul 21, 2012, DHNS :
Several
tanks which were once a source of water, has been suffering from
encroachment and has been entering the pages of history.
Tanks
were sources of water irrigating acres of fertile land. As the forest
started depleting, the water-level in tanks too started decreasing.
An historic Aanekere near Chikkathoor-Basavathoor in Koodumangalur
Gram Panchayat limits is a mute spectator to the encroachment.
All
the villagers should join hands with each other to give a facelift to
this tank.
In
the past, the tank was irrigating Koodige farm to grow various crops.
After the borewells were drilled in the farm, the use of water from
the tank was stopped. As the area of the tank was encroached, the
water-level too started declining.
With
the increase in silt, the storage capacity of the tank has declined.
The ground water table of the tank too has declined.
The
tank was providing drinking water to elephants four to five decades
ago. Owing to encroachment, the area covering the tank has declined.
The
bamboo were grown on the periphery of the tank. As a result,
elephants were depending on the tank for water in the past. The area
of the tank was 18 acre five decades ago. Now agriculture activities
have been taken up in the encroached area of the tank, alleged
villagers.
“Owing
to the negligence of the revenue and minor irrigation department, the
area of the tank has been encroached. The work on dredging should be
taken up at the earliest, to conserve water in the tank. The gram
panchayat has failed to maintain the tank,” said Nagarika
Hitharakshana Vedike senior leader C V Nagesh.
If
the tank is developed, then it will increase the water-level in wells
and other water bodies in the vicinty. Boating facility can be
introduced in the tank to promote tourism, he aadded.
The
encroached area of the tank should be reclaimed and there is a need
to rejuvenate the tank, said the villagers.
Zilla
Panchayat and Minor Irrigation department had constructed retaining
wall around the tank. However, it has not taken up the work on
dredging.
The
tank was irrigating the farm land in the region. With the
encroachment of the land, it has affected agriculture activities as
well, said K Subbanna.
The
gram panchayat should have will power to develop the tank. The
revenue officials should initiate stern action against the
encroachers.
Koodumangaloor
Gram Panchayat President Hemavathi said that the decision on
developing the tank will be taken up after holding discussion with
the gram panchayat members.
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2008, The Printers (Mysore) Private Ltd.
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