Thanks to public-private efforts, Rajapalayam escapes flooding
OCTOBER 09, 2018 00:00 IST
Important tanks and supply channels desilted
Despite 85 mm of overnight rainfall recorded in Sasthakoil Dam along the Western Ghats near Rajapalayam, the town did not face any major flood-related problem.
Thanks to proactive steps taken by Rajapalayam Tahsildar P. Ramakrishnan to desilt important tanks and their supply channels, it escaped inundation. His effort was ably supported by voluntary organisations and generous donations by industrial units.
The copious flow of water due to heavy rainfall in short time, which could have inundated a few habitations, now filled up four tanks.
“The supply channel from Mudangiyar (Ayyanar Falls) has been desilted for nearly six km. This channel is part of the system tanks that connects several tanks downstream and ensures free flow of water,” Mr. Ramakrishnan said.
The tanks, which had only around 20% of its storage capacity till last week, were now brimming. “Pudukulam, Pirandaikulam, Puliyankulam are overflowing and water is now fast filling Kondaiyaneri tank,” the Tahsildar added.
The effort to desilt around 13 tanks, which started in July, saw completion of works in Kadabankulam and Puthiathikulam. The works on a few other tanks were on.
“Besides Thuli, a voluntary organisation, and Rotary Clubs, various industrial units made their contribution. We have not used any government funds for the work. Ramco Group of Companies offered their earth movers for the desilting work for 400 hours,” the Tahsildar said.
As part of the work, waterhyacinth that was blocking free flow of water in Puthiathikulam and Kadambankulam tanks were removed. The drainage channel criss-crossing the town were also cleared of silt.
The efforts of the local people, guided by Collector A. Sivagnanam, helped to store water in tanks and also prevent flooding in residential areas, the Tahsildar said.
Rainfall in Virudhunagar district (in mm): Watrap 70, Kovilankulam 38.20, Rajapalayam 33, Kariyapatti 33.20, Tiruchuli 20, Aruppukottai 17, Sivakasi 14.90, Srivilliputtur, 13, Virudhunagar 6, Pilavakkal 5 and Sattur 2.
Meanwhile, water level in Periyar dam witnessed sharp rise to 133.50 feet on Monday from 132.80 feet on Sunday. The inflow to the dam was 3,746 cusecs and discharge 1,906 cusecs. The level in the Vaigai dam was 60.96 (71)feet with an inflow of 2,350 cusecs and a discharge of 1,190 cusecs.
Sothuparai dam continued to overflow and 163 cusecs of inflow was being discharged. The dam level was 126.64 feet. The level in Manjalar dam was 48 feet (57 feet).
Rainfall in Theni district (in mm): Andipatti-15, Aranmanaipudur-2.4, Bodinayakanur-7.6, Gudalur-2.6, Manjalaru -13, Periyakulam-59, Periyar dam-12, Thekkadi-10.4, Sothuparai-48, Uthamapalayam-2, Vaigai dam-44.6 and Veerapandi- 27mm.
OCTOBER 09, 2018 00:00 IST
Important tanks and supply channels desilted
Despite 85 mm of overnight rainfall recorded in Sasthakoil Dam along the Western Ghats near Rajapalayam, the town did not face any major flood-related problem.
Thanks to proactive steps taken by Rajapalayam Tahsildar P. Ramakrishnan to desilt important tanks and their supply channels, it escaped inundation. His effort was ably supported by voluntary organisations and generous donations by industrial units.
The copious flow of water due to heavy rainfall in short time, which could have inundated a few habitations, now filled up four tanks.
“The supply channel from Mudangiyar (Ayyanar Falls) has been desilted for nearly six km. This channel is part of the system tanks that connects several tanks downstream and ensures free flow of water,” Mr. Ramakrishnan said.
The tanks, which had only around 20% of its storage capacity till last week, were now brimming. “Pudukulam, Pirandaikulam, Puliyankulam are overflowing and water is now fast filling Kondaiyaneri tank,” the Tahsildar added.
The effort to desilt around 13 tanks, which started in July, saw completion of works in Kadabankulam and Puthiathikulam. The works on a few other tanks were on.
“Besides Thuli, a voluntary organisation, and Rotary Clubs, various industrial units made their contribution. We have not used any government funds for the work. Ramco Group of Companies offered their earth movers for the desilting work for 400 hours,” the Tahsildar said.
As part of the work, waterhyacinth that was blocking free flow of water in Puthiathikulam and Kadambankulam tanks were removed. The drainage channel criss-crossing the town were also cleared of silt.
The efforts of the local people, guided by Collector A. Sivagnanam, helped to store water in tanks and also prevent flooding in residential areas, the Tahsildar said.
Rainfall in Virudhunagar district (in mm): Watrap 70, Kovilankulam 38.20, Rajapalayam 33, Kariyapatti 33.20, Tiruchuli 20, Aruppukottai 17, Sivakasi 14.90, Srivilliputtur, 13, Virudhunagar 6, Pilavakkal 5 and Sattur 2.
Meanwhile, water level in Periyar dam witnessed sharp rise to 133.50 feet on Monday from 132.80 feet on Sunday. The inflow to the dam was 3,746 cusecs and discharge 1,906 cusecs. The level in the Vaigai dam was 60.96 (71)feet with an inflow of 2,350 cusecs and a discharge of 1,190 cusecs.
Sothuparai dam continued to overflow and 163 cusecs of inflow was being discharged. The dam level was 126.64 feet. The level in Manjalar dam was 48 feet (57 feet).
Rainfall in Theni district (in mm): Andipatti-15, Aranmanaipudur-2.4, Bodinayakanur-7.6, Gudalur-2.6, Manjalaru -13, Periyakulam-59, Periyar dam-12, Thekkadi-10.4, Sothuparai-48, Uthamapalayam-2, Vaigai dam-44.6 and Veerapandi- 27mm.
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