Faced with water crisis, Madurai takes steps to tap Northeast monsoon

Southwest monsoon has failed all the southern districts this year and Madurai is no exception. In fact, Madurai corporation is the worst affected, which cripples under severe drinking water crisis. Madurai Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Nanduri had recently informed that water would be supplied once in four days, which summerises the problem by itself. 

Under such circumstances, Collector Veera Raghav Rao recently inspected the villages where he ordered the officials to repair the defunct borewells and wells to store water in order to recharge the groundwater table. Acting on his instructions, officials have begun the process of identifying the abandoned borewells and are in the process of renovating them. 

Speaking to DTNext, Selvaraj, Executive Engineer, DRDA, said that 236 defunct borewells have been identified in the district and Rs 18,000 has been for renovation of each borewell. “Around the borewells, a big hole measuring one metre depth and three metre in length and breadth will be dug. The sides will be sealed with a brick layer to prevent seeping. Then a slot will be made on top to make sure that water enters the borewells, which will be strengthened by placing two layers of metal sheets measuring 35 cm in height and 40 mm in thickness. The inner layer will 35 cm in height and 20 mm in thickness,” he explained. 

This method of renovation has been proved highly successful in recharging ground water table and will help combat drinking water shortage in Madurai with the help of Northeast monsoon, added Selvaraj. The work is expected to be completed in another 15 days.