PWD: New barrage to be constructed across Kollidam

Trichy: A new barrage across Kollidam near Alakudi would be constructed soon, principal secretary for the public works department (PWD), S K Prabhakar has said.
Prabhakar inspected Alakudi, located on the banks of the Kollidam river, where a huge breach was detected due to heavy flow of water. Though no one was affected, the PWD and revenue authorities are working to plug the breach.

Prabhakar later told reporters that both the banks of Kollidam would be strengthened after all water recedes. “We experienced such a heavy flood 13 years ago. Since we were fully prepared, major calamities were averted. We have recommended the government to construct a barrage across the Kollidam river in such a way that it withstands heavy undercurrent,” he said.

Meanwhile, as the inflow to Stanley reservoir has come down from the maximum of two lakh cusecs to 58,250, the outflow has also reduced to 54,216 cusecs. Following that, 30,067 cusecs and 20,394 cusecs have been discharged from Mukkombu to Cauvery and Kollidam rivers respectively.

Corporation workers commenced the cleaning process at Srirangam Amma Mandapam to facilitate public and pilgrims, who usually taking a holy dip. The other bathing ghats would also be cleaned subsequently, the officials said.

Due to the heavy discharge into the Cauvery river from Mukkombu, excess water had been overflowing in the two-km long surface bridge situated near Grand Anaicut. This had forced police to block vehicular traffic between Uthamarseeli and Grand Anaicut on Thiruvanaikoil – Grand Anaicut road for the past six days. On Wednesday, the stretch was opened for vehicular traffic as the water has completely receded on the stretch.