The next phase of maintenance works at contour canal which passes through Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) in Pollachi has sparked fears of water scarcity in the forest areas during summer.
ATR officials fear that this could increase the risk of wild animals venturing into human habitations in search of water.
Constructed during 1960s for Parambikulam Aliyar Project, the canal begins near Sarkarpathy powerhouse in the Pollachi Range and ends at Thirumurthy Reservoir in Udumalpet Range. During its run of about 49.3 km, it passes through four tunnels of which Navamalai is the longest one. Its carrying capacity is 1,150 cusecs.
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Sources said that wild growth and passage of time had caused considerable damage to the canal.
The State Government sanctioned Rs.185 crore for repair works and the State PWD has commenced the project on 1 March, 2011. Works were taken up for six months in a year. However, water supply will be halted during the course of the works. The last phase of works concluded in September.
The contour canal passed through three ATR Ranges of Pollachi, Udumalpet and Amaravathi. It is the main source of water for animals in these ranges, especially in Pollachi which is predominantly dry forest.
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ATR officials have recorded the presence of at least half a dozen species of wildlife along the canal stretch.
Residents said that elephant herds were now being spotted on a daily basis at Aliyar Dam.
As a long-term solution, ATR officials said that they are planning to join with State PWD to construct 24 canals along the course of the canal. However, they conceded that this would not be completed anytime soon and might take as much as a year or more.
As a short-term measure, the ATR officials said that they had set up a solar-powered water trough at Pothamadai besides repaired a borewell tank at Ayarpadi. Six small tanks will also be filled up with water in Pollachi Range. However, the capacities are too small to make a difference.