In the wake of poor storage in Periyar dam leading to delay in release of water for irrigation of the first crop in double-cropping areas of Cumbum Valley, Public Works Department is expediting conversion of traditional earthen supply channels into concrete ones to prevent wastage of water and ensure quick and uniform flow till tail-end areas.
Presently, concrete apron is being laid on the supply channel between Uthamapalayam and Margayankottai, covering a sizable area of cultivable lands in the valley.
Work on laying concrete floor on the 5.4-km channel has been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 10.5 crore. Since the channel is too wide and affects uniform distribution of water to all ayacutdars, the bunds are being strengthened and a wide path is laid along the channel to monitor and undertake maintenance work.
The main aim of the work was to prevent seepage and wastage of water and facilitate quick flow till tail-end areas, said officials. “Water will be released on this channel only after completion of the concrete work. We plan to complete the work in 10 days,” the officials added.
17 channels in valley
Concrete work on the supply channel at Kokilapuram village has been completed. Cumbum valley has 17 channels, running to a total length of 43.5 km.
The PWD plans to convert all the channels in the valley into concrete ones in phases using funds from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Following a sharp increase in the storage level in Periyar dam last week, several farmers in the head areas have raised nurseries and prepared the land for transplantation.
Normally, water is released from Periyar dam for the first crop on June 1.
The PWD plans to convert all channels in the valley into concrete ones in phases using NABARD funds
