TIRUCHY: Chandra Pushkarini, the holy tank of Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, will be purified in a bioremediation process by the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli (NIT-T), as part of the renovation work being carried out in the temple.
Chandra Pushkarni is the main tank of the temple among the holy theerthams situated in eight different directions around it. Presently, only Chandra Pushkarni is in a good condition. In an attempt to purify the water in the tank, officials have entrusted the project to NIT-T under Professor Swaminathan, Department of Civil Engineering.
Bioremediation is a biological process to clean water where microorganisms are introduced to consume and break down environmental pollutants, in order to clean a polluted site. “The sanctity of the temple should be maintained. Bioremediation process was chosen because we did not want to affect it by using chemicals,” said Swaminathan.
An initial amount of `6 lakh is allotted for this project from the renovation work fund. The actual cost of the project will be known after NIT-T submits a full project report.
“Funds are not a problem. Complete renovation of the temple is more important. If more money is needed, it will be taken from the temple fund,” said an HR and CE official.
Construction of walls around the dry Surya Pushkarni, another major tank, has been completed. The tank bed will soon be filled with a clay layer to ensure water is retained on the surface and does not percolate.