Now, work done to reduce the impact of the floods in Chennai, residents can feel safe
Posted on: 17/Mar/2021 9:20:19 AM
The WRD or Water Resources Department recently completed work on extending the length of the check dam across the Araniar at A. Reddipalayam near Minjur in Chennai. This was carried out to reduce the impact of the floods. It is now revealed that around 20 villages would benefit due to this superb work by WRD. An amount of Rs 9.7crores has been spent on this.
It must be taken into account that this is the 10th storage structure across the river that flows for 125km before its confluence near Pazhaverkadu. From its present 100m, the length of the check dam has been extended by 35m and 4 vents have been provided for allowing surplus water to flow out during the times of floods in the river. The surrounding villages get affected as the bunds on the portion of the river often breach is well known.
The officers belonging to WRD have mentioned that during 2015 floods the river carried 58,000 cusecs of water and areas upstream were affected due to damages in the bund. Information is that the vents would help clear silt deposits obstructing the free flow in the river. Flood water would be regulated. It is learnt that flood protecting walls have been constructed for a distance of 70m. About 7km upstream of the river`s confluence point, the check dam is located.
The WRD officials later spoke about the construction of a barrage at the Andarmadam at the downstream stretch of the river to prevent sewage ingress. After the construction of A. Reddipalayam check dam in the year 2012, the groundwater quality got better. This was pointed out by the officials. With funds from the Commissionerate of Revenue Administration, improvement works have been taken up at a cost of Rs 9.7 crores. Point is that an additional 25 mcft of water could be stored.
