A. Kannayiram, of Pallipet village, Tiruvallur district, is looking forward to the next rain spell as he will soon have access to better groundwater resources. His hope stems from the construction of a checkdam, across the Lava river in the district, now nearing completion.
The Water Resources Department is building the checkdam in Pallipet taluk, nearly 130 km from Chennai. The project is aimed at storing water that would otherwise drain into the sea through Kosasthalaiyar river. The one-foot-high checkdam, resembling a wall across the river, can retain water for a distance of one km, officials said.
A visit to the area near Tiruttani revealed the Lava river, which is one of the tributaries of Nagari river originating in Andhra Pradesh, is the lifeline for agriculture and drinking water needs of residents. But, like many other rivers in Tamil Nadu, it is not a perennial river, with its flow lasting for only six months.
The structure is imperative for residents who are dependent on the water drawn from the borewells along the river and farmers who cultivate crops like sugarcane, groundnut and paddy. “I cultivate paddy and sugarcane that need a lot of water. Groundwater is now available at 50 feet. It remains at the same level even after a checkdam was constructed at Sorakkapet village near Pallipet. Once this structure is completed, I expect water to be available even during summer,” said Mr. Kannayiram.
Officials of WRD said a population of nearly 75,000, residing in 15 villages including Velliagaram and Kumararajapettai, would benefit from the Rs. 5.9-crore project. Besides recharging the groundwater table, the checkdam will help over 2,000 farmers as water will be diverted to tanks and field channels.
“We expect the groundwater to be available at 10 feet and the river will have flow even during summer months. Work will be finished by this month-end,” said an official.
The department is also building a checkdam in Nallathur, a few kilometres away from Pallipet, to recharge the table. This will be the fourth such facility aimed at ensuring water availability throughout the year.
