Aanekere waiting for facelift

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.