Chennai: It is well known that desilting works have been undertaken at various waterbodies by the government to ensure additional water storage come monsoon.
The Water Resources Department of PWD is also engaged in the construction of multiple check-dams across rivers in and around Chennai. However, the Korattur check-dam has not received the same amount of attention, apparently due to lack of funds.
According to sources, the check-dam was damaged during the 2015 floods and since then has not been repaired. If works are carried out, it would be possible to direct additional water to Chembarambakkam lake from it, officials stated.
“The check-dam needs to be repaired before monsoon so that 15,000 cusecs of clean water can be directed to Chembarambakkam lake for storage,” said an official on condition of anonymity.
The presence of the check dam is important because water there is still devoid of pollution near Puduchatram Village and the 10 kilometre-long channel from the check-dam can be used for directing water into the reservoir that is also being deepened by officials.
With Poondi lake and Sriperumbudur tank being two major suppliers to Chembarambakkam lake, if rebuilt, the check dam could help store more water, stopping it from draining into the sea.
Around Rs 35.5 crore was estimated by the planning and formulation wing of the PWD for repairs. The papers were submitted to the government last July, only to receive no response, it is said.
It is stated that along with repair works, engineers have proposed a new design that could direct 50,000 cusecs of water to the reservoir. Earlier, officials have been able to send only 12,000 cusecs of Cooum water into it.
The funds are yet to be released by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and once cash is released, work will begin, stated the official.