This covers a vast area of the description of the project. At the outset, it has to be borne in our minds that water bodies such as ponds, rivers, dams, and canals directly come under the scrutiny of the government. Even if the individual occupies any area of the said water bodies no one can, as per the law of our nation, claim ownership; however, one can use it. To make any changes or to do, any activity with reference to water bodies, for our purpose here-the ‘Renovation of Pond’ we had to obtain prior permission from the government officials. We had to get permission from the government Canal track Engineer Mr.Mariappan Block Development (BDO) to get connectivity to our pond for the flow of water. The length of the canal is 3,100 meters with 8 feet breadth and 3 feet depth. The Block Development Officer made physical verification of the canal track and issued a certificate of inspection for the same purpose and then only, we could proceed with our work of digging the canal.
However, digging of canal for a distance of 3100 meters (10,000 feet) is not mentioned in our project proposals, earlier. In the process of implementation of renovation of pond, we were alerted by the government officials to undertake proper measures in this regard. Here again, this is one of the risk factors, we encountered at this stage of the project. Again, we sought permission from Mr. Annadurai the Assistant Executive Engineer P.W.D/W.R.O the Public Work Development (PWD) official who along with his assistant visited our area and issued a clearance certificate for the installation culvert.
In the process of water to reach our pond, we were forced to renovate a culvert and to make a new one separately. The expenditure for 2 culverts were expensive.
About the existing culvert: The existing culvert was in jeopardy, dilapidated and bad shape and even after renovating it, it remained in such a shape that it could not be used. Therefore, we had to go for the construction of a new culvert.
Installation of a new culvert: To make the process clear and easier for reaching water, to our pond, installation of a new culvert was indispensable.
We had anticipated the works of renovation of pond before we could get the second grant- as it was important to initiate this work because, during the rainy season, we cannot do renovation works of pond. Inauguration of renovation of pond took place in the presence of the dignitaries-the Superior General, local community members, staff personnel and workers. (Letters of approval from the government authorities are attached here- which are in vernacular format. The essential elements are translated into English for a better comprehension of the content).
Inauguration of pond:
For every activity, the presence of the Superior General and his team was a source of inspiration, to expedite the work process. After many efforts, water reached the pond finally, through the canals of 3100 meters (10,000 feet) length from where water had to flow.
