Coimbatore Farmers Demand Urgent Desilting of Historic Noyyal River Check Dam
Farmers in Coimbatore have issued a pressing appeal to authorities, urging the immediate desilting of the Chithirai Chavadi check dam located across the Noyyal river. They emphasize that this 800-year-old structure, dating back to the Chola era, has not undergone dredging for more than three decades, despite repeated allocations for river restoration projects.
Historical Significance and Current Neglect
The ancient check dam measures 282.11 feet in length and 350 feet in width, featuring a 72-metre-long head sluice on its left side. It plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water for 3,791 hectares of agricultural land. N Viswanathan, a farmer from Thennamanallur village, highlighted that although crores of rupees have been allocated for Noyyal river restoration, the check dam has remained untouched. He stressed that the dam serves as a vital drinking water source for a municipality and over nine panchayats under the Thondamuthur union, benefiting more than one lakh people.
Impact of Silt Accumulation on Water Resources
Due to prolonged silt accumulation, sand mounds have formed within the reservoir, narrowing water flow and significantly reducing storage capacity during the monsoon season. Farmers rely on this water to cultivate crops such as coconut, areca nut, tomato, brinjal, and green banana. However, Viswanathan noted that around 36 ponds on the northern and southern sides have remained dry for years, while groundwater levels have plummeted below 750 feet. He estimated that nearly 28,000 acres benefit directly and indirectly from the structure, urging authorities to desilt the check dam ahead of summer to facilitate the storage of monsoon rainwater.
Calls for Accountability and Community Involvement
R Periyasamy, vice-president of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association, alleged that funds sanctioned during the previous AIADMK regime were only used for strengthening work, with no desilting carried out. He proposed the formation of a monitoring committee comprising local farmers and residents to oversee maintenance works, including the desilting of water bodies. R Manikandan from the Kovai Kulangal Pathukaappu Amaippu added that irrigation tanks in the suburban belt depend on this check dam, calling for the removal of encroachments and action against waste dumping in the area.
Official Response and Future Steps
M Sivakumar, assistant executive engineer of the water resource department, stated that efforts are underway to mobilize Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for the desilting project. This move aims to address the long-standing issue and restore the check dam's functionality, ensuring sustainable water management for the region's agricultural and drinking water needs.
