Check dam carrying water from Mullaperiyar collapses

Madurai, Nov 30: With the flood wreaking havoc across parts of Tamil Nadu, the check dam constructed across the Vaigai river has collapsed on Tuesday. The check dam is situated at the Nandhi Valasai village in Ramanathapuram district, Madurai.

The Tamil Nadu administration was diverting water from the aging Mullaperiyar dam via a tunnel to the Vaigai river and the check dam in an effort to lower the water level in the dam. The Mullaperiyar issue was gathering steam with both parties in a logjam over the issue of constructing a new dam in the place of the 116-year-old dam.

The revenue officials in Madurai has revealed that the check dam was constructed nine months ago at a cost of Rs 14 crore. The check dam was built for the purpose of drinking water supply and to enhance the ground water level in the parched Madurai area. The check dam also is feeding water for other 52 small irrigation tanks in the area.

At the time when the check dam was being built, protests had erupted by residents citing that the area will be flooded during heavy rains.

Revenue officials are visiting the site now following instructions from the Madurai Collector, Arun Roy according to a statement given out by K Rathinam, a local Congress leader to mediapersons.

There are no reports of casualties.

OneIndia News