Tamil Nadu - Cuddalore   

Cuddalore Collector moots two projects to tackle recurring floods

CUDDALORE: Cuddalore Collector Rajendra Ratnoo has mooted two projects at the cost of about Rs. 24 crore to find a permanent solution to recurring floods.

These proposals, if implemented, would help to save crops and property in the Kurinjipadi, Vadalur, Sethiathope, Kattumannarkoil and Chidambaram blocks.

Mr. Ratnoo briefed the Central team that visited the district recently to assess the flood damage, about the proposals. He told The Hindu that the Karuvattu Odai project was estimated to cost Rs. 18 crore, and the Aruvamukku project, about Rs. 6 crore.

Water sources such as the Paravanaru, the Perumal Eri, the Ponneri and the Velliangal Odai were cause of concern because they used to surplus whenever there was incessant rain.

It required massive mobilisation of both men and materials to reach the relief to the marooned people. Moreover, it involved payment of huge compensation, running into several crores of rupees.

In the wake of water supply to Chennai and also to meet the requirements of ayacutdars, it had become imperative to maintain the storage level in the Veeranam tank at 45 ft as against the maximum height of 47.5 ft.

During rainy season, the Karuvattu odai, branching out from the Ponneri, carried enormous quantum of water to the Vadavar that in turn drained into the Veeranam tank.

However, to safeguard the tank from developing breaches, it had become necessary to resort to heavy discharge through the Velliangal odai and it invariably resulted in flooding of farm lands.

The proposal envisaged diversion of the Ponneri water to the Old Kollidam, without allowing it to flow into the Veeranam tank, thereby preventing all possible loss.

The Collector said that the Aruvamukku project was intended to divert the excess from the Paravanaru through a semi-circular canal to the sea.

For implementing the latter, about 35 acres owned by private companies, including the Nagarjuna Corporation, ought to be acquired. Mr. Ratnoo said that Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who was keen on finding a lasting solution to the flood problem, had formed a sub-committee under Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin. These proposals would be placed before the committee for consideration.

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