Theni
It has been 10 days since Suruliyar in the district, one of the main tributaries of the Mulla Periyar, last saw any water.
The river originates from Manalar dam located inside the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and flows between Thoovanam and Surulipatti — a 14-km stretch. The river feeds Suruli falls as well.
An order by the National Green Tribunal directed that all the rivers in the country shall maintain minimum 15 % to 20% of the average lean season flow. Based on this judgement, C.P. Rajkumar, Honorary Wildlife Warden, procured another order ensuring a minimum of five to six cusecs of water to ensure minimum flow in summer.
“The river runs for about 7 km from the dam through rich riverine forests before making its fall at Suruli falls and then meanders for about 7 more km before joining the Mulla Periyar near Surulipatti, aiding agriculture along its banks,” he says.
Without water in the area during summer, there will be a loss of biodiversity, he adds. Trees like the Terminalia arjuna, jamun and bamboo, which are dependent on consistent flow of water, will shed at higher rate.
Dr. Rajkumar says that animals such as tigers, elephants, leopards, elephants and samba deer live both upstream and downstream of the falls.
“Without water, we may see increased human-animal conflict as they would come to the villages in search of water,” he says.
Suruli falls is also a major spot for eco-tourism. The district administration and the Forest department have established and recruited locals from nearby areas as part of the Eco Development Committee.
Pilgrims, who visit the falls, no longer have enough water for a bath, says an officer. He adds that downstream agriculture is affected as well.
A similar problem occurred in 2018 around the first week of March, says a senior official from TANGEDCO, Theni.
“People in Suruli's downstream complained that there was not enough water for drinking. The Forest department too raised the issue with the Collector and ensured that a separate gate of the Manalar dam was open to provide flow,” he says. However, this year, the water level at the dam is rapidly falling, he adds.
Currently, there is 84 metres of water (92 metres maximum limit). Although water can be released until the dam reaches 75 metres, there is no surety about the rains and the availability of water through the summer, he says. “If the Forest department raises the issue with the district administration, we can work out a consensus, he says”.
In order to ensure that water returns to Suruli falls, Meghamalai Wildlife Warden S. Kalanithi says that he is approaching the Public Works Department and the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation to ensure at least five or six cusecs is made available. “There is still some water near the check dams. We will ensure that the water is made available,” he says.
