Tamil Nadu farmers urge construction of 1,000 check dams

Farmers' associations and irrigation experts in Tamil Nadu are calling for the implementation of a proposal to construct 1,000 check dams to enhance water storage capacity. Experts suggest that such a project could store an additional 300 TMC of water, helping the state reach self-sufficiency in irrigation and recharge groundwater levels.

Proponents argue that placing a shutter every 9 km along the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers would prevent water from flowing wastefully into the sea during the monsoon. Sami Natarajan, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, stated that the project could store at least 10 TMC in the delta region alone.

In a separate localized development, residents near the Kanuvai check dam in Coimbatore have requested traffic restrictions. Due to continuous rainfall, the dam is nearing full capacity, threatening to submerge the Kanuvai-Panneermadai Road. Locals are also renewing demands for a bridge to be constructed across the water channel to prevent commuter risks during overflows.