Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday inaugurated the rejuvenated 400-year-old Poornankuppam Agriculture Pond (Muzhiyankulam) in the presence of Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy at Poornankuppam village.

The pond spread across 1.5 acres was taken up for renovation by Dhana Sundarambal Charitable Society after obtaining permission from the Ariankuppam Commune Panchayat. With the active participation and contributions from local community and private entities, the society desilted the pond, provided revetment for side bunds, walkways and provision for inlet and outlet. Around ₹1.2 crore was spent for renovation of the pond, said an official.

Ms. Sitharaman left the venue a few minutes after the formal inauguration of the pond as she had to attend another event in Chennai. 

Central assistance

Addressing the residents of Poornankuppam, the Lt. Governor said protecting water resources has become a major challenge across the country. The Puducherry government has prepared a project for restoration of 82 waterbodies at a cost of ₹480 crore. The proposal has been submitted to the Central government for approval, he said.

Acknowledging the importance of conserving water, the Lt. Governor said the Central government had evolved several programmes for protecting waterbodies and recharging groundwater.

“Water conservation is not the responsibility of governments alone. Society has to step in to preserve water for the development of everyone. People should think about preserving water for the future generation just as they consider saving money and property for their wards important,” the Lt. Governor said.

Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) S. Selvaganabathy and local legislator B. Ramu spoke at the event.