Wed Feb 26 19:06:36 UTC 2025: ## Ancient Madurantakam Tank Restoration Nears Completion
**Chennai, February 27, 2025** – The restoration of the historic Madurantakam tank in Chengalpattu district is nearing completion, with 86% of the ₹172.66 crore project already finished. Expected to be fully restored by July, the project will significantly enhance the tank’s water storage capacity, benefiting thousands dependent on it for drinking water and irrigation.
The 1,058-hectare tank, originally restored in 1798 under British rule, is undergoing a major overhaul after several decades of neglect. The project includes raising the height of five weirs by 0.5 meters, increasing storage capacity from 694 million cubic feet (mcft) to 791 mcft. A new spillway with 12 shutters will replace a sixth weir, enabling the controlled release of up to 1.20 lakh cusecs of floodwater. The project also involves strengthening the bund using earth from the tank bed, creating a foreshore bund to prevent waterlogging, and reconstructing damaged sluices and retaining walls.
Improvements to the Kiliyar river and Nelvoy Maduvu supply channels are also underway, with 80% of the desilting and strengthening work completed. The restored tank will irrigate 3,077.47 hectares of land, benefiting approximately 40 villages, and allowing farmers to irrigate their crops three times a year. The project also promises to enhance the habitat for migratory birds visiting the nearby Vedanthangal sanctuary, and potentially provide a crucial water buffer for Chennai.
Local resident R. Muralimohan suggested developing the tank as a tourist attraction with recreational facilities. He also advocated for providing coarse soil to farmers during the desilting process. Water Resources Department officials overseeing the project are confident that the restoration will bring significant improvements to the region’s water security.
First Piper 