Poornankuppam Pond Renovation
A 400-year-old village waterbody in Puducherry gets a fresh lease of life through community-led restoration.
The Poornankuppam Agriculture Pond, locally known as Muzhiyankulam, is a roughly 400-year-old waterbody in Poornankuppam village, Puducherry. Spread over 1.5 acres, the pond recently underwent renovation covering desilting, side-bund revetment, walkways, and new inlet and outlet systems.
About the Pond
This traditional village pond serves as a local waterbody for the community. The restoration was carried out by the Dhana Sundarambal Charitable Society after obtaining permission from the Ariankuppam Commune Panchayat.
Key Renovation Features
The work included desilting to clear accumulated silt from the pond bed, revetment to strengthen the side bunds, construction of walkways around the pond, and the addition of inlet and outlet structures for better water-flow management. About ₹1.2 crore was spent on the project.
Wider Restoration in Puducherry
The Puducherry government has prepared a larger plan to restore 82 waterbodies at an estimated cost of ₹480 crore. The proposal has been submitted to the Central government for approval.
Important Facts for Exams
- The pond is about 400 years old and spans 1.5 acres.
- It is also known as Muzhiyankulam, located in Puducherry.
- Around ₹1.2 crore was spent on the renovation.
- The larger Puducherry plan covers 82 waterbodies at ₹480 crore.
📝 Practice MCQs
1. The Poornankuppam Agriculture Pond is located in which Union Territory?
[A] Lakshadweep
[B] Puducherry
[C] Daman & Diu
[D] Andaman & Nicobar
Answer: [B] Puducherry
2. By what local name is the Poornankuppam Agriculture Pond also known?
[A] Muzhiyankulam
[B] Veeranam
[C] Pulicat
[D] Kaliveli
Answer: [A] Muzhiyankulam
3. Approximately how old is the Poornankuppam pond?
[A] 100 years
[B] 250 years
[C] 400 years
[D] 600 years
Answer: [C] 400 years
4. Which organisation carried out the renovation of the pond?
[A] Ariankuppam Commune Panchayat
[B] Dhana Sundarambal Charitable Society
[C] National Biodiversity Authority
[D] Central Water Commission
Answer: [B] Dhana Sundarambal Charitable Society
5. The Puducherry government's wider plan aims to restore how many waterbodies?
[A] 48
[B] 82
[C] 120
[D] 200
Answer: [B] 82
