Bridge to be dismantled after water flow subsides

The old Coleroon bridge, which is on the verge of collapse due to a big crack developed on a pier following heavy water current, would be dismantled after the flow subsides in the Coleroon river, according to Collector K. Rajamani.

The crack had widened further on Friday. Collapse of a portion of the bridge was inevitable. There was no option but to dismantle it. The task would be carried out after the end of flow in the river, Mr. Rajamani, who accompanied Ministers Vellamandi N. Natarajan and S. Valarmathi to the low-lying areas along the Cauvery and Coleroon, told The Hindu .

The Collector said the flow in the Cauvery had gone up to 2.17 lakh cusecs on Friday. There had been heavy inflow in the Cauvery and the Coleroon. Since they were in spate, there was a possibility of water overflow at a few places, mainly Kilikudu near Kallanai. The people should avoid taking bath and dive at vulnerable points, where policemen were posted.

Mr. Rajamani said that preventive steps had been taken at various points along the Cauvery and Coleroon based on the inputs of 2005 flood. Public Works Department, Revenue, police, Fire and Rescue Services personnel had been put on high alert.

In Thanjavur, Agricultural Minister R. Duraikannu, accompanied by Collector A. Annadurai, visited Anaikarai, where water entered into several houses. The Minister met the residents, who have been moved to a special camp, and assured that all help would be extended to them.

Mr. Annadurai said the Coleroon waters had entered 26 houses in Anaikarai. As many as 76 residents had been given shelter. The situation was being closely monitored.