A barrage across Kollidam river at a cost of Rs 400 crore, announced by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday, could be the first among a few more that will expand farming and provide drinking water security in the tail end of the delta.
The proposed barrage, with a storage capacity of 0.6 tmc, will come up across Kollidam river, in between M. Adanur in Cuddalore district and Mel Kumaramangalam village Nagapattinam district.
In Cuddalore district, farmers along the river, parched now, burst crackers to express their joy. “The proposal for the barrage was originally conceived in the 1990s but was shelved for unknown reasons. It is heartening to note that it is being revived,” said K.V. Kannan, vice-president, Cauvery Delta Farmers’ Welfare Association.
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During normal monsoon seasons, on an average 20 to 25 tmc of water flowing through the river drains into the sea around this time of the year, say farmers. During the unprecedented floods in 2005, it was recorded that a total quantum of 205 tmc of water drained into the sea through Kollidam river, they say.
Once built, the barrage will help farmers raise crops and replenish the sub-surface water level. “Such barrages will help the farmers overcome the drought-like situation that occurs almost alternate years,” he said.
“The water table of Annakarai – Keezhanai area will be recharged if the barrage is built. Kollidam is the chief source of drinking water supply for large parts in the delta’s tail end. The barrage will ensure drinking water security, and alongside support borewell irrigation,” said Kaveri Danapalan, general secretary, Cauvery Delta Farmers Protection Association.
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Farmers have been taking to the streets for long for construction of barrages across the Kollidam. Chidambaram MLA K.Balakrishnan, along with farmers affiliated to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) undertook a 25-km long pada yatra.
Kollidam—Keelanai Paasana Vivasayigal Sangam has launched many agitations in the past, including a 200-km motorcycle rally. “It is a triumph for the farmers,” said P. Vinayagamoorthy, president of the Sangam.
However, a section of the tail end delta farmers are still sceptical as an earlier announcement in the Assembly of setting up a reservoir in Vellapallam has not seen the light of the day. For now, the farmers expect the government to release water from Mettur dam now at the rate of 50 per cent of the inflow to avert any wastage of water this year.
Seven to come
For effective flood management and optimal usage of water along Kollidam river, the farmers have been demanding the government build seven barrages across the river downstream of Lower Anicut.
The barrages have to be built at a distance of 15 km and raised to a height of 7.5 metre to store about 1.5 tmc to 2 tmc of water each. The suggested locations are Nochiyam, Googoor, Thirumazhapadi, Yelakurichi, Kamarasavalli, Kodali Karuppur and Sukkambar.
On completion, the system will enable the delta farmers to raise kuruvai and samba crops without any interruptions.