Vadakkechira

Vadakkechira
A view of Vadakkechira pond
Location	Thrissur city, Kerala
Type	Artificial pond
Basin countries	India
Surface area	4 acres (1.6 ha)

Vadakkechira (Malayalam: വടക്കെചിര) is one of the four oldest ponds in Thrissur city of Kerala in India. It was built by Shakthan Thampuran (1751-1805) and is one of Thrissur's famous landmarks. It is owned by Cochin Devaswom Board.^[1][2][3]

History

Sakthan Thampuran, Maharaja of Cochin, built four ponds in Thrissur city for water management and irrigation purpose in his regime. They are Vadakkechira, Padinjarechira, Thekkechira and Kizakechira.^[4] Members of the Cochin Royal Family and priests of the Ashokeswaram Temple used to have bath at the ghats on the northern side of the pond, and the public at those on other sides. Elephants used to be bathed at ghats on the eastern side. The Kulapparas and ghats for elephants are reminiscent of 18th and 19th century architecture. A walkway is on the southern side of the pond. The re-designed pond has sculptural seats, gateways Padippuras, pools, fountains, a gallery and a rock garden.^[5] M.M. Vinod Kumar has re-designed the pond and its surroundings. He got special jury mention at the State Awards, instituted by the Indian Institute of Architects.^[6]

Fauna

Migratory birds in Vadakkechira

The pond is a four hectare ecosystem complete with plants, birds, sacred groves and butterfly gardens. Vadakkechira is home to many avian species, including small green barbet (Megalaima viridis), white-breasted water hen (Amaurornis phoenicurus), blue rock pigeon (Columba livia), bronze-winged jacana (Metopidius indicus), pond heron (Ardeola grayii), white-browed wagtail(Motacilla madaraspatensis), common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), common myna (Acridotheres tristis), little cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger), lesser whistling teal (Dendrocygna javanica) and little grebe (Podiceps ruficollis).^[7]

Water supply

In 1983, when drought struck Thrissur city, then Minister M.P.Gangadharan with help of Kerala Water Resources Department cleaned the pond over a time of one month. In 1985, a water supply system was constructed by spending Rs 23 lakhs form Vadakkechira pond to supply water to Thekkinkadu Maidan and Swaraj Round, Thrissur by Kerala Water Resources Department. In the same time, a park was also set up near the pond. Later, the project was handed over to Thrissur Municipal Corporation.^[8]

References

1. "Vadakkechira beautification project to be over by Onam". The Hindu. 28 July 2006. Retrieved 2009-06-19.
2. "Stone laid for koothambalam". The Hindu. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
3. "New life for a historical pond in Thrissur". The Hindu. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
4. "SAKTHAN THAMPURAN AND THE EMERGENCE OF COCHIN AS A COMMERCIAL CENTRE" (PDF). Saritha Viswanathan. Retrieved 2013-07-11.
5. "Poomala dam makeover nearing completion". The Hindu. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
6. "Pond renovation wins jury mention". The Hindu. Retrieved 2012-06-28.
7. "New life for a historical pond in Thrissur". The Hindu. Retrieved 2012-06-07.
8. "Metro Thrissur, Page 27". Manoramaonline.com. Retrieved 2013-07-11.