With the periphery of the Rockfort Teppakulam cleared of encroachments, the Tiruchi Corporation has commenced extensive restoration and beautification work to revive the waterbody and improve its surroundings.

The restoration follows a major eviction drive during which roadside vendors and shops that had operated for decades along NSB Road and around the Teppakulam of Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple were removed and relocated to alternative sites earmarked by the Corporation. The civic body has removed the old steel fencing around the Teppakulam.

At present, water from the tank is being pumped out and desilting work is to be taken up. Fishes in the tank were removed ahead of the work. Four heavy vehicles have been deployed round the clock for pumping and cleaning operations.

Corporation officials said accumulated silt would be removed first, following which the tank would be cleaned thoroughly, and repair work on damaged steps and structures would be taken up. Cauvery water would later be refilled into the tank, which was filled to capacity last in 2021.

“The majority of the water has already been pumped out, and desilting work will begin shortly. The entire process is expected to be completed within three weeks,” a senior Corporation official said.

Officials said the tank, which was once around 20 feet deep across its nearly 5.30-acre spread, has now been reduced to about 12 feet due to years of waste dumping and silt accumulation. The ongoing restoration is said to be the major renovation of the Teppakulam in nearly three decades.

The civic body has drawn up plans to develop the area into a recreational space with an outlay of ₹1.56 crore. Proposed work include dredging and strengthening the tank at a cost of ₹50 lakh, installation of heritage lighting with arches for ₹38 lakh, and development of a walking track with seating benches and a children’s park at ₹68 lakh. Rainwater harvesting is also under consideration.

The official added that the final design for the beautification project is yet to be approved. Once finalised, full-fledged development work around the tank will commence.