Collector P Sankar inaugurated the desilting work of the Robinson Pond at a cost of Rs 85 lakh, on Wednesday.
The pond was constructed during the British period on 9.28 acres of land near Tharanampet Bazaar area in Gudiyatham town. The tank had been receiving water from the nearby Pakkam Lake and had also been storing rainwater. However, it dried up 25 years ago and turned into a dumpyard due to public apathy and lost its glory in the days that followed.
Gudiyatham Municipal Chairperson S Amudha Sivaprakasam took initiative to desilt the tank, following which the local Rotary Club contributed Rs 42.50 lakh for the work. A matching grant was allocated by the State government’s Self Sufficiency Scheme. The desilting work is expected to be completed within two months.
The Collector said the State had allotted Rs 1.30 crore for the beautification of the tank, while `70 lakh had been contributed by the local body. With this money, restoration of steps and sidewalls of the pond would be carried out. Plans were also there to create a park and a walking pathway outside the tank for public use.
Municipal Commissioner G Umamaheshwari, Gudiyatham Tahsildar M Gajendhran and Rotary Club President N S Kumaraguru were present at the inaugural function.