Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Kanchipuram Temple Tanks Dry in January
In the temple town of Kanchipuram, many temple tanks have dried up just a month after the monsoon rains.
This is worrying because it might mean there won't be enough groundwater in the summer.
The problem is that the canals bringing water to the tanks are blocked by mud and encroachments.
There are 44 water bodies in the town, and many of them are not being taken care of properly.
The people who live there and visit the temples are asking the government to clean and fix the canals so that the tanks can fill up with water again.
If the tanks stay dry, it could lead to water shortages in the area.
Most temple tanks in Kanchipuram have dried up by January, raising concerns about summer water scarcity.
Canals supplying water to the tanks are blocked by mud and encroachments, preventing water flow.
There are 44 water bodies in Kanchipuram, including temple tanks, ponds, and lakes.
The Kanchipuram Corporation and Water Resources Department have not taken sufficient action to renovate and maintain the canals.
Residents and devotees blame the lack of proper rainwater harvesting facilities and maintenance for the current situation.
- Who
- Residents, devotees, social activists, Kanchipuram Corporation, Water Resources Department, HR & CE
- What
- Temple tanks in Kanchipuram have dried up in January, raising concerns about groundwater depletion
- When
- January, after the north-east monsoon rains
- Where
- Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
- Why
- Due to encroachments, poor maintenance, and lack of renovation of canals and water bodies
- Location
- Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Number of Water Bodies
- 44
- Responsible Bodies
- Kanchipuram Corporation, Water Resources Department, HR & CE
- Main Issues
- Encroachments, Poor Maintenance, Lack of Renovation
- Temples Affected
- Onakandheeswarar, Mangaleswarar, Kumarakottam Subramanya Swamy, Rangaswamy, Nagareeswarar, Ashtabuja Perumal, Ulagalandha Perumal, Vaikunta Perumal