Around 30 ponds disappeared recently
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On October 2, 1975, a group of students and teachers of SMV School were engaged in a 'sevana varam'. Their task was to level a pond so that they will get a large ground. Years later, city recognize how crucial was the act - reclamation of Manjalikulam pond - which eventually intensified waterlogging in the city.
The city areas which witness waterlogging have something in common. Earlier they were known for the presence of water bodies and wetlands. However, most ponds and wetlands have been levelled, making most areas prone to waterlogging.
Historian Malainkeezhu Gopalakrishnan said that more than 30 ponds in the core city areas were reclaimed in recent times. "Manjalikulam, earlier known as Vavanjalikulam, was reclaimed and is now the ground of SMV School. The Theethrapadamandapam, an auditorium known for cultural activities, is situated over the erstwhile Patrakulam. The Olympic Association building at Vanross Junction was built after reclaiming a pond named 'Subedar kulam'. Similarly, ponds near Thycaud Ayyappa temple and Vazhutacaud Ganapati temple were reclaimed. Most of the palaces in Fort area had their own ponds. In that case, there might have been six-seven ponds within Fort area," Gopalakrishnan said.
District collector Biju Prabhakar said that though they took up revival of Manjalikulam under Operation Anantha, it was dropped after finding that it won't serve the purpose.
He said developments do not pose Chennai-like situation here as we have better drainage system. "Once the drive is completed, it could bring an end to the waterlogging. At least we can ensure that water will drain out immediately after rain," he said.
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