VIRUDHUNAGAR: A novel water conservation project launched by the Virudhunagar district administration officials called ‘String of Wells’, paved the way for rejuvenation and recharge of as many as 163 defunct and abandoned open wells in the district.
The works which were taken up by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), commenced during August and were completed by November 2022, using the funds under MGNREGA scheme and convergence of other local funds. The project was the initiative of the then Virudhunagar district collector J Meghanath Reddy.
The methodology used to recharge is that earth around the wells were excavated to a width of 1.20 to 1.50 metres and to a depth of 0.75metres:
In an attempt to invite the attention of people and to create awareness on water conservation, water harvesting and recharging structures, the outer structure of the wells were beautified.
The outer structure of the wells were redesigned to give an aesthetic appearance in various shapes such as a train compartments, cup and saucer, basket, gift box, watermelon, treasure box etc.
An assistant engineer, DRDA, G Prakash Kumar said that the main objective of the project is to recharge and rejuvenate the abandoned wells to recharge the groundwater at the locality. The wells which were abandoned due to lack of water and were used for dumping garbage due to lack of water had now become recharge structures. The top portion of the wells were also closed using steel railings to prevent any mishaps. Steps are also taken to ensure that the rejuvenated wells are maintained properly.
During the rainy season, rain water also drains inside the well. This project has not only turned an abandoned well into a recharge structure but it prevents any rain water stagnation at the area around the well
Reference:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/103824570.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
