TN farmers seek restoration of check dam to revive two Salem lakes, improve irrigation
Salem, July 26
Farmers in Tamil Nadu's Salem have urged the Water Resources Department and the Salem City Municipal Corporation to restore a damaged check dam across the Thirumanimutharu River near Kondalampatti, warning that its deterioration has disrupted the natural flow of water to two major irrigation tanks, leaving them dry despite spells of heavy rainfall.
The farmers said the damaged structure has prevented water from reaching Kottanathan Lake at Neikkarapatti and the downstream Poolavari Lake, both of which have traditionally supported irrigation and groundwater recharge in the surrounding villages.
The Thirumanimutharu River originates in the Shevaroy Hills, flows through Salem city and eventually joins the Cauvery River. In the past, the check dam at the Kondalampatti anaicut stored water and diverted surplus flow through the Neikkarapatti head sluice into Kottanathan Lake.
Excess water from the lake would subsequently flow into Poolavari Lake, ensuring a steady supply for agriculture while replenishing groundwater reserves.
According to farmers, the check dam sustained partial damage during the Salem City Municipal Corporation's Thirumanimutharu River Beautification Project.
The project involved constructing retaining walls and removing obstructions along the river to improve water flow. However, they alleged that the damaged check dam was never restored, resulting in a significant disruption to the river's traditional irrigation network.
Although the Neikkarapatti head sluice was constructed in 2012 to regulate the diversion of water, farmers said it has remained largely ineffective because the damaged check dam is no longer capable of retaining sufficient water before it reaches the sluice.
Consequently, water continues to flow downstream through the river instead of entering the supply channel that feeds the two lakes.
Farmers also pointed out that the supply channel and sections of the river have become heavily overgrown with shrubs and vegetation, restricting water movement even during periods of good inflow. They further expressed concern over stagnant water and the discharge of untreated effluents into the river, which they said has adversely affected water quality in several stretches.
They stressed that restoring the check dam and clearing the supply channel would help revive irrigation, improve groundwater recharge and ensure effective utilisation of rainwater that currently flows away unused.
Meanwhile, a senior WRD official in Salem said a proposal to renovate the Neikkarapatti supply channel has already been submitted under the state government's Budget announcement. Detailed project estimates have been prepared and forwarded for administrative approval.
The department expects renovation work to begin once the proposal receives sanction and the required funds are released.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's sad that beautification projects sometimes do more harm than good. The Thirumanimutharu River project had good intentions, but damaging the check dam without fixing it is a classic case of shortsighted planning. Clear the overgrowth, restore the structure, and let water flow where it's needed—not just downstream.
As someone from Tamil Nadu, I can tell you this is a recurring problem. We have ancient tank systems that worked for centuries, but modern projects disrupt them. The head sluice built in 2012 is useless if the check dam doesn't hold water. And untreated effluents? That's a health hazard too. Wake up, officials!
Good to see the WRD has submitted a proposal. But 'submitted' and 'sanctioned' are two different things in Indian bureaucracy. The farmers have been patient—now it's time for action. Restore the check dam, clear the channel, and monitor groundwater recharge. Simple, effective, and long overdue. 🌊
Interesting case study in unintended consequences. A beautification project that actually degrades irrigation infrastructure—ironic but not surprising. Water management in India needs to integrate traditional knowledge with modern engineering. Hope the budget approval comes through before next monsoon.
The overgrown supply channels and untreated effluents are a double blow. Even if the dam is fixed, dirty water won't help crops or groundwater. The corporation needs to coordinate with the WRD—not just beautify the riverbed but ensure the entire ecosystem works. Accountability, please! 🙏
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