“During Aadi masam, the deity is covered in a green sari and over a lakh people congregate in the temple for the celebrations. It is sad that the temple pond alone has been left in neglect,” he added, reported by The New Indian express.

CHENNAI: Devotees of Pachaiamman temple in Thirumullaivoyal have been demanding authorities for a long time to restore the 1.5 acre temple pond, which is overrun by weed plants in addition to some encroachments ruining the water body.

Earlier, people used to take a dip in the pond before entering the temple. “It used to brim with clear water about 30 years ago. Devotees would walk down the stone steps and bathe in here,” said Jayakanthan G, a devotee.

The temple is located on the corner of Kulakarai Street, which can be accessed easily from the Chennai-Thiruthani Highway.

“During Aadi masam, the deity is covered in a green sari and over a lakh people congregate in the temple for the celebrations. It is sad that the temple pond alone has been left in neglect,” he added.

As per the loocal residents DMK and AIADMK members along with the local MLA had promised to restore the pond during election campaigning, but in vain.

Residents claimed that sewage too was being let into it. “Since the pond had become shallow, the 2015 floods inundated nearby houses.

This pond once added to the beauty of the temple and if the bunds were intact and benches set up, people could have a relaxing time here too,’’ said R Srinivasan, a resident, adding,  “After TV channels began telecasting the Aadi festival of the temple, a lot of people have been frequently visiting the temple. We hope that the newly formed Avadi Corporation would take steps to restore the pond.’’ 

An official with the Avadi Municipal Corporation said that it is possible to restore the pond with grants from the local MLA fund. “We will prioritise this matter and look into it,” said the official.