Reservoirs to get a makeover

WRD seeks funds for renovation from Central Water Commission; three-member team visits reservoirs

May 23, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 07:57 am IST - CHENNAI:

The weirs of the Red Hills reservoir are one of the structures that will be improved under the DRIP —Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam

The weirs of the Red Hills reservoir are one of the structures that will be improved under the DRIP —Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam

City reservoirs, which are the primary sources of drinking water for residents, may appear to be well-maintained but they too have portions that need to be improved for better safety.

As part of its efforts to strengthen the reservoirs, the Water Resources Department has sought funds under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement project of the Central Water Commission. The reservoirs in Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills and Chembarambakkam with a combined capacity of 11,000 million cubic feet play a pivotal role in city drinking water supply and serve as groundwater recharge sources for neighbouring areas.

While some improvement works are being taken up in the main portions of the reservoirs, the shutters and bund on the rear side of the reservoirs have been left neglected for several years.

For instance, the shutters and intake tower along Ambattur Red Hills Road are crying for attention.

A three-member team from Dam Safety Review Panel, part of the Central Water Commission, inspected the reservoirs last week and had shortlisted deficiencies in the water bodies. Some of the improvement works proposed includes strengthening of the rear bund of the Poondi reservoir, repair of damaged shutters and plugging leakages in the weir (low dams that help regulate water flow) at Red Hills reservoir.

Officials of the WRD said the department also plans to improve lighting arrangements and install sensors to get complete data on rainfall and water level to facilitate better monitoring of the water bodies.

“We have also sought more funds to increase patrolling and fencing around these reservoirs to prevent drowning. Recently, five persons lost their lives in Red Hills and Chembarambakkam when they tried to have a bath in the reservoirs,” said an official.

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