The restoration was carried out at a cost of ₹1.44 crore.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
A huge tank adjacent to two temples in Sunkuvarchathiram in Kancheepuram district has got a new lease of life. The Koil Kulam, choked by weeds and duckweed, cutting off oxygen to the water, now has clean water, lighting, a walkers pathway, and clean steps.
“It has two play areas, of which, one is for children with special needs. There are benches for people to sit. Keeping the safety of visitors in mind, there are two fences – one near the top of the bund and another just above the water level,” said Rekha Nareshkumar, president, Thirumangalam Village panchayat, where Sunkuvarchathiram is located.
The restoration was made possible after Exnora International Foundation joined hands with Hyundai Mobis Pvt. Ltd. to fund it, which was carried out at a cost of ₹1.44 crore. The tank had not been maintained for over 35 years and had been encroached by 60 shops, which were removed after a court order.
“It is near the bus stand and the market. The sewage from the shops too were let into the tank. But after a court order, the shops were demolished. We removed over 140 loads of slush alone for 25 days. It was stinky. smelly. We took it all to a vast open space, away from any residential habitation, dried it and then used it for other purposes,” said Ajithkumar, Exnora International.
Mohan, general secretary, Exnora International, said that before the restoration, the tank could only hold 5,140 Kl of water. But now it can hold 18,650 Kl, which helps in recharging ground water in the area. “We have also provided training to local residents and shopkeepers to take care of the pond. Merely restoring it will not be enough, unless community participation is ensured,” he said.
According to G. Narasimhan, CSR head of Hyundai Mobis, the company was happy to lend it’s hand for projects that will impact the community. “Along with desilting, and creation of various facilities we strengthened the bund and repaired both water inlets and outlets. We are also paying salaries for two people, a watchman, and a gardener,” he said.
The renovated tank was opened to the public recently by Minister for Non-Resident Tamils Welfare S. P. K. Thennarasu in the presence of district Collector D. Sneha, and S. Senthur Pari, president, Exnora International Foundation.
Published – August 04, 2026 06:33 am IST
