Chitrakulam and Kapaleeswarar temple pond is a study in contrast

When DT Next visited the Big pond, several ducks reared by the Kapaleeswarar temple management - Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department - were seen swimming in the pond and several species of birds frolicking around the pond. “There is a Nandi sculpture inside the pond which is at least four feet high. Now, only a part of the sculpture’s head is visible. This is due to the management maintaining the pond regularly. The pond has a security guard and outsiders are not allowed inside the compound without permission,” a roadside vendor along the pond said. He added that the Big Pond was dry before the monsoon season but got filled after the heavy rain a few days ago.

On the contrary, Chitrakulam pond is filled with weeds and remain dry. “The pond was last seen holding water three years back in 2016. After that, the pond remains dry. The Big Pond is brimming because of desilting works and letting rainwater into the pond. Presently the pond is maintained by a private trust and the government should take over the pond,” P Selvakumar, a resident of Mylapore said. He added that the rainwater from Mada streets and other areas was draining into the pond, but the inlets are now sealed. Garbage bins around the pond pollute the water, “This is also a reason the pond management sealed the inlets,” he said.

Selvakumar also urged the civic body to remove garbage bins around the Chitrakulam pond as slush seeping out from the bins and strewn garbage enter the pond. “This is also a reason for the management to arrest the water entering from streets,” he added.

When asked a Chennai Corporation official, he said that Chitrakulam pond is a private pond and the pond management is not allowing rainwater to enter the pond. “If the management cooperates, the Chennai Corporation will help in restoring the pond so that rainwater can be stored,” he added.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the civic body had already decided to prepare an estimation to restore Chitrakulam pond as the pond would help recharge groundwater in the locality. A few days ago, Chennai Corporation Commissioner G Prakash inspected both the ponds.