Farmers in Salem, Tamil Nadu, are urging the Water Resources Department and Salem City Municipal Corporation to repair a damaged check dam on the Thirumanimutharu River near Kondalampatti. They highlight that the dam’s deterioration has disrupted water flow to two crucial irrigation tanks, leading to their dryness despite heavy rainfall.
The damaged structure is blocking water from reaching Kottanathan Lake at Neikkarapatti and the downstream Poolavari Lake, which have historically supported irrigation and groundwater recharge in the area. The check dam, previously crucial for diverting surplus water to the lakes, has suffered partial damage during a river beautification project by the Salem City Municipal Corporation.
Despite the construction of the Neikkarapatti head sluice in 2012 to regulate water diversion, farmers note its inefficacy due to the damaged check dam’s inability to retain sufficient water. This has led to a continuous downstream flow, bypassing the lakes’ supply channel. Farmers emphasize the need to restore the check dam and clear the supply channel to enhance irrigation and groundwater recharge.
A proposal to renovate the Neikkarapatti supply channel has been submitted by the Water Resources Department in Salem under the state government’s budget announcement. Detailed project estimates are awaiting administrative approval, with renovation work expected to commence upon receiving necessary funds.
