KOCHI: People usually go on pilgrimages to regain their spirits, as the energy acquired by knowing and being one with nature is immense. Keeping this thing in mind, residents of Perumbavoor are making an attempt to preserve their main water reservoir. The Aalapara Ambalachira, spread over two and half acres, is the main water reservoir in Perumbavoor. The chira (water reservoir) was abandoned and subjected to negligence for the past few years. Now, the Devaswom Board along with the Irrigation Department has taken the initiative to clean and restore it. The people of Perumbavoor have always been zealous to preserve nature and the culture of the area. In a bid to preserve the chira, they have approached the authorities to take the necessary steps and finally it has became a reality. “It has been our request for a long time to restore the chira which is the only natural water reservoir in this area. The cleaning work started two months back and is going smoothly. We are really happy about it,” said P G Rajagopal, NSS secretary, Kunnathu Naadu Taluk.Perumbavoor is blessed with the beauty of nature. It is this realisation and the need to be with the nature that has made its residents to transform it to a place of relaxation for the localities and travellers, especially Ayyappa devotees. “We would like to renovate the place in the lines of the Manachira Square of Calicut. The Alapara Devaswom owns this chira. We thought of developing this gift of nature as a place to relax and refresh,” MLA Saju Paul said.“People who go for jogging to the school grounds will benefit a lot, as woods and water generates immense positive energy. The first step to renovate the chira was cleaning, which is almost complete,” he added.The whole area will be fenced and there will be walkways and benches so that people can spend their time here comfortably.Estimating the total cost of the project at about Rs 55 lakh, he said, “Nearly Rs 12.75 lakh has been allocated from the MLA fund. Financial assistance has also been provided from the Irrigation Department and the Devaswom Board.”However, he assured that the project would not lead to destruction of the surroundings. He said a plan to set up a commercial complex near the chira was dropped as they realised that one of the banyan tree might have to be cut down. Moreover, the waste from the complex might hinder the dream of a waste-free zone.“The work is at its last phase. Once completed, it would be a centre of attraction for Perumbavoor residents and visitors alike,“ said contracter Joshy Varghese.
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