Chennai, August 11, 2013: The sprawling temple tank at Arthanaareeswarar temple on the fourth main road in Nanganallur is devoid of water and littered with all types of trash. Adding to the unpleasantness is the location of a Tasmac outlet in the vicinity of the temple.

Natarajan, a resident of the area said that like several other temple tanks in Chennai, this one has also fallen on bad days. There were times when the devotees used to take a dip in the tank and enter the temple to have a dharsan of the presiding deity.

Saraswathi, a senior citizen living near the temple, says no woman can cross that road after 6 p.m., as the street just behind the temple is occupied by drinkers. They make lewd comments at the women passing by. Moreover, the tank looks like a dumping yard with the empty bottles of liquor thrown on it indiscriminately and with waste from several households and commercial establishments making their way into it.

When contacted, temple officials said they hoped Corporation would take measures to save the tank.

Source: The Hindu, DT. August 11, 2013.