Chennai: Though nine shutters and four pillars of the regulator at Mukkombu dam were washed away last night, officials have assured that there was no need to panic as there was no danger due to the collapse.
They further claimed that the damage was caused as a result of the heavy flow of water in the past few days.
The Mukkombu dam, also known as the Upper Anaicut, diverts surplus water into the Kollidam and Cauvery rivers. Constructed in 1836, the dam has 45 shutters to regulate water flow out of which nine have been damaged now.
When the shutters collapsed last night, PWD officials, who were at the spot, immediately informed the seniors following which Collector K Rajamani and PWD Tiruchi zone chief engineer Senthil Kumar visited the area.
After carrying out inspection, Senthil said an investigation will be carried out to find the reason behind the collapse.
“At present, there is no threat to the public and people need not panic,” he added. Officials said the damaged portions will be rebuilt soon.
Sources said around 40,000 cusecs of water from Mettur has been received at Mukkombu. Of this, 32,000 cusecs is let into the Cauvery and 8,000 cusecs into the Kollidam.
The dam also acts as a connection between Musiri and Tiruchi and the vehicles that were using the dam have reportedly returned back safely.
Police personnel have been deployed to restrict public from using the stretch.
According to Chennai sources, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami will visit the spot tomorrow.