The Water Resources Department's proposal to construct bridges soon in localities downstream of the Red Hills reservoir will end the problem of commuting during monsoon for residents of the area. The reservoir caters to the city's drinking water needs.
The proposal to construct bridges on the surplus course of the reservoir is part of the second phase of Jawaharlal Nehru National Renewal Mission.
During monsoon when the reservoir reaches its maximum storage level, the shutters are opened to let out water through the eight-km surplus channel. Often, the causeways en route are submerged, cutting off transport to villages.
The channel, with a capacity to carry nearly 12,500 cubic feet of water per second (cusecs), through 10 areas, including Naravari Kuppam, Thandalkazhani, Mathur and Puzhal, and drains into the Ennore creek. (Cusec is a measure of flow rate and one cusec is equal to 28.3 litres).
Residents of Kosapur said commuting would be a challenge as two bus services - 64 D (Kosapur-Broadway) and 56 C (Tiruvottiyur-Red Hills) - would not ply during floods.
“The narrow causeway links areas such as Andalkuppam, Kannampalayam and Manali,” said M. Saravanan, a resident of Kosapur. “Sometimes, two-wheelers have been washed away during floods. Several residents employed in industries in Manali keep away from work until the water recedes.”
Besides upgrading the Kosapur causeway to a bridge, the WRD has planned to construct three bridges in Grand Line, Vadaperumbakkam and Amullaivoyal. When the work is completed, people would not have to take a detour of several km to reach Red Hills, Madhavaram or Manali.
WRD officials said the project, estimated to cost nearly Rs.170 crore, will soon be submitted to the State government. The surplus channel of the Red Hills reservoir and bunds would be strengthened.
In the second phase, the surplus channels of Korattur tank, which convey excess water to Madhavaram tank that in turn feeds Red Hills reservoir, would be rejuvenated. More culverts would be constructed for free flow of water in these localities, preventing inundation of these areas.
Replacement of culverts with bridges on the surplus course of Korattur tank would help residents of Puthagaram and Kadirvedu also. Similarly, the lower supply channel, which carries water from Cholavaram reservoir to Red Hills reservoir, would also be strengthened and bridges would be built at some points.
