Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, has said that Cuddalore district was facing flood problem because of 70 per cent excess rainfall, above the average level.
Mr. Bedi, deputed specially by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi to assess the flood damage in Cuddalore district, told presspersons here on Monday that owing to inflow of 10,000 cusecs, water level in the Veeranam tank rose from 45 ft to 46.8 ft in three days.
To safeguard the tank, 8,500 cusecs of water was discharged in the Velliangal Odai that resulted in flooding of farmlands downstream. The Vellar too carried over 90,000 cusecs of water, far in excess of its carrying capacity of 70,000 cusecs, thus inundating habitations and farmlands on its course.
Mr. Bedi said that the Paravanar was another factor that aggravated the flood situation. The Paravanar was heavily silted and, therefore, easily overflowed during rainy season.
He also said that during his interaction with farmers in the past two days, they had suggested expanding the carrying capacity of the Manavaikkal and execution of the Aruvamukku scheme to avert recurring flood problem.
He further said that since the Paravanar happened to be the conduit for carrying slushy discharge from the lignite mines, the NLC had the moral responsibility to desilt the entire course of the Paravanar and strengthen its banks.
Replying to another question, Mr. Bedi said that the ideal level in the Veeranam tank should be 43.5 ft, and never above 44 ft, particularly during the period from November to December 20.
He would be submitting his report to the Chief Secretary on Tuesday. The real extent of damage, in rupee terms, would be known only after the Revenue and Agricultural Department officials carry out the assessments, Mr. Bedi added.
