Chola Gangam Lake
The Tamil Nadu government has launched a ₹19.25 crore project to restore and develop the historic Chola Gangam lake, also known as Ponneri. This announcement coincides with the birth anniversary of King Rajendra Chola I on July 23, 2025. The restoration aims to revive the ancient irrigation system and boost tourism near Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Historical Significance of Chola Gangam
Chola Gangam was excavated by King Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his northern military campaign. The tank, referred to as a ‘liquid pillar of victory’, was fed by water from the Ganga river. Spanning approximately 700 acres, it supported irrigation and drinking water needs for Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the Chola capital. Historical records describe it as one of India’s largest reservoirs with a 16-mile embankment and sophisticated sluices.
Engineering and Water Management
The tank’s elliptical bunds are made of laterite stones designed to resist hydraulic pressure. Its sluices included sediment traps and silt ejectors to maintain water quality and enrich surrounding paddy fields with nutrients. The tank operated within a complex water network linked to the Kollidam river and Veeranam Lake, showcasing advanced hydraulic engineering of the Chola era.
Current Condition and Challenges
Today, the lake is largely dry and shrunk in size due to neglected canals and abandoned water channels. The sluices are mostly defunct, and the tank’s water supply depends solely on seasonal rains. The surrounding area faces groundwater depletion and disrupted bird migration routes. A British-era bridge crosses the empty lake bed, symbolising years of underuse.
Government Restoration and Development Plans
The Tamil Nadu government plans to strengthen the tank’s banks and renovate irrigation channels to benefit 1,374 acres of farmland. Tourism development will include an information centre, park, security systems, and amenities. A 10-acre museum dedicated to Rajendra Chola I is under construction nearby. Restoration could recharge groundwater and improve regional water security.
Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact
Reviving Chola Gangam could restore agricultural fertility and provide drought relief. The tank’s maintenance historically involved community levies, reflecting local stewardship of water resources. Restoration may also revive ecological balance by supporting migratory birds and enhancing groundwater levels. This effort marks the importance of preserving ancient water infrastructure for sustainable development.
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