One of the 60 feet twin towers of St. Lourdes Church in the water spread area of the Stanley Reservoir in Mettur, that was said to be damaged, was found lying 37-feet under the surface of the water.
The twin towers were a major tourist attraction in Pannavadi area. When the water level drops below 71 feet, the towers and the Nandi statue of Sri Jala Kandeshwarar Temple would be visible.
Recently, when the water level dropped to 70 feet, one of the twin tower was found missing. Hence, a team of officials including, Subramanian, Superintendent Engineer, Public Works Department, Tamilmullai, Tahsildar, Mettur and engineers visited the area in a boat and found the missing tower lying under the water.
Mr. Subramanian told the media that the damaged tower was located under the water and it could be the work of miscreants.
He said that only after the water level drops significantly, the damaged tower could be inspected and the reason ascertained. A report would be submitted to the Collector, he added.
Sources said that the current water level is 70 feet and only if it drops to 37 feet, the reason could be known. But the monsoon in June will bring rains that will only increase the water level. Hence, there is little chance that water level would drop further, they added.
Officials said that the towers and statue are submerged in the water for more than 80 years and have withstood underwater pressure.
They suspect that miscreants could have used country-made bombs to bring down the tower.
