Date:12/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/12/stories/2008101260871000.htm

Tamil Nadu

Kerala move to construct check dams flayed

Staff Reporter

Coimbatore: An all-party meeting convened by the Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (PDK) on Friday resolved to stage a demonstration here on November 15, urging the State government to draw the attention of the Centre for preventing Kerala from constructing dams across the Bhavani and tributaries of the Siruvani.

A release from K. Ramakrishnan, general secretary of the PDK, stated that the Kerala government had decided to construct check dams across the Bhavani at Ranganathapuram, Kalkandiyur, Seerangathottam, Semmanur, Seerakadavu, Ellangadu, Chavadiyur; across the Siruvani at Kottathurai; and at Varagampadai across the tributary of the Siruvani.

A sum of Rs.4 crore had been earmarked for the check dams. Works were under way to identify places for constructing of three more check dams across the tributaries of the Siruvani. Their construction would hamper the flow of water into the Siruvani and the Pilloor, affecting the drinking water supply of Coimbatore City, besides hampering the irrigation prospects of Coimbatore and Erode districts currently fed by the Bhavani.

Tamil Nadu should impress upon the Centre to intervene and stop Kerala from going ahead with the construction. To press for these demands, there would be a demonstration on November 15.