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Lakkaram tank a step away from regaining its lost glory :
After decades of neglect, Lakkaram tank of Kakatiya era is set to spring back to life. Thanks to State government’s flagship programme Mission Kakatiya that aimed at rejuvenating and restoring tanks.However with development works in the final stage, the tank which is located at the heart of the city presents a glorious picture.
Khammam: After decades of neglect, Lakkaram tank of Kakatiya era is set to spring back to life. Thanks to State government’s flagship programme Mission Kakatiya that aimed at rejuvenating and restoring tanks.However with development works in the final stage, the tank which is located at the heart of the city presents a glorious picture.
It’s no exaggeration that anyone who has turned to Lakkaram tank after a gap of a few months is certain to be dumbfounded with the kind of development it witnessed in short a span of time.The tank, once spread across 164 acres, lost its sheen with successive governments turning a blind eye to maintain the water body.
This apart, huge tract of tank was also lost to encroachments. It’s said that nearly 55 acres was encroached upon by the land sharks.Due to lack of maintenance, the tank became inhospitable to aquatic life. Moreover, the discharge of sewage and dumping of garbage into the tank made the water body even more unwanted.
It may be noted here that once the tank has served as a major source for irrigation. However, the previous government mooted a plan to promote tourism around this historical tank it failed to take off.Against this backdrop, the tank restoration work has begun on April 26, 2015. It’s learnt that total silt in Lakkaram tank is about 1.10 lakh cubic metres.
“Apart from restoring of the tank under Mission Kakatiya, the government also sanctioned funds to beautify it by constructing a tank bund, walking track and a mini garden etc.,” Khammam MLA Puvvada Ajay Kumar said, thanking Minister for Irrigation T Harish Rao for bringing back the past glory of the tank. The filling of Lakkaram tank with Nagarjunasagar waters is in progress for the last three weeks.
Currently the water level in the tank is around 19 feet against the full tank level (FTL) of 35 feet. However, the government has spent Rs 13.50 crore for the restoration of Lakkaram tank so far, it’s estimated that total cost of the beautification works would amount to Rs 23 crore.
Making the Sri Rama Navami celebration special on Wednesday, Khammam MLA Puvvada Ajay Kumar has made arrangements for Teppotsavam in the historic tank. For the occasion, a boat was brought from Vijayawada and decorated in the shape of Hamsa Vahanam.
Adepu Mahender
