Thanjavur: The ‘Mahamham’ tank at Kumbakonam near here will henceforth have water throughout the year, including during summer, when it used to turn bone dry in the past.
To facilitate the perennial flow of water into the tank two deep bore-wells were sunk on the left bank of Arasalar river, which supplies water to the tank at a cost of Rs 19.75 lakh. A 30 KV motor was fitted for lifting the water.
State minister Mr. R. Duraikannu inaugurated the water supply on Saturday. The 300-ft bore-wells supply water through a 300-metre long pipeline to the tank. The wells can fill 1.44 lakh litres of water in an hour.
Pujas performed at the pumping station on Arasalar bank from where water is pumped to Mahamaham tank at Kumbakonam. R.Duraikannu, state agriculture minister and R.K.Bharathimohan, Mayiladuthurai MP are also seen.
The minister said that now devotees can take holy dip in the tank throughout the year. People have been demanding this facility as the tank became dry during summer.
Devotees wishes have now been fulfilled, said a beaming Duraikannu to reporters.
Money for the project was no issue and it was released from ‘Local Area Development Fund’ of Mayiladuthurai MP Bharathimohan, who also took part in the function. Later, the minister declared open a fair price shop constructed at a cost of '10.20 lakh and laid the foundation stone for a Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Kathiramangalam, the seat of the anti-ONGC agitation.
