Need for dredging supply channels of Ponnaniyar dam, say farmers

The badly neglected boats and tourism infrastructure at Ponnaniyar Dam. — Photo: M. Srinath

Ponnaniyar Dam on the tri-junction of Karur, Tiruchi and Dindigul districts has been a gift to both farmers and nature lovers. Surrounded by a series of hills – Perumal Malai and Karunagiri Malai, the scenario presents a serene beauty, particularly during the onset of monsoon.

The dam, built at a cost of Rs. 1 crore during 1974-75, has a capacity of 120 mcft. Its annual storage is 240 mcft, water spread area is 313 acres, catchment area 33.60 square miles. The total dependable yield at site is 362 mcft. While the new ayacut irrigated was 1,830 acres the old ayacut was just 271 acres.

With the north east monsoon being active, the dam has been registering an appreciable rise in the level of water.

The fact that a large number of tourists from adjoining Dindigul district has been visiting the dam every week-end, speaks volumes about the tourism potential of the dam.

Farmers say that the supply channels of the dam should be dredged. P. Viswanathan, president of the Tamizhaga Eri Mattrum Attru Paasana Vivasayigal sangam, says that the irrigation channels should be dredged for ensuring assured supply of water to the farmers.

As the farmers of three districts would benefit in a big way, the supply channels should be immediately dredged, he said.

Tourists, on their part, said that more amenities should be provided at the dam. C. Rajapandian, a truck owner from Dindigul, says that he has been visiting the dam every week-end but is surprised to see the under-exploitation of tourism potential in the area. Although a park has been developed which is maintained properly, there was still a large scope for attracting tourists.

M. Mansur Ali and S. Saleem, also from Dindigul, said that the road leading to the dam should be properly re-laid. They all said that the three km-long road branching off from Vaiyampatti towards the dam remained damaged for the past few years. Although some repair works are being taken up now and then, quality road should be laid on a permanent basis, they said.

According to officials, the Tourist Department had spent Rs.50 lakh for providing tourism infrastructure at the dam. The official said that infrastructure such as boats, rest room and restaurant have been provided at the dam.

Although the scope was wide, the infrastructure provided so far was quite adequate with regard to the strength of tourists influx in the area, the official said.