60 per cent of plugging over, flow in Kollidam diverted into Cauvery

After conducting a spot study, Collector K Rajamani said that the works for the new regulator would probably commence by November on completion of administrative formalities.

The total length of the collapsed structure was put at 110 metres by the PWD and as a preventive measure, the plugging work was carried out up to a distance of 220 metres from shutter no 1 to 16 with boulders by placing sand bags in an area of 3-metre width. “A concrete wall will be raised on each end of the collapsed regulator to prevent damage to the structure during floods or heavy flow in future, said Rajamani.

Around 60 per cent of the temporary repair has been completed and the flow has been diverted from Kollidam to the Cauvery. To facilitate this, the sand accumulated between the rivers was removed using floating machines, the Collector added. 

“We have engaged 50 vehicles, eight earthmovers and two float machines to complete the task. Nearly 300 workers in two shifts each have been deployed. The flow has nearly been arrested and only in the middle of the river, it is flowing up to four metres. This will also be gradually curtailed and the whole operation would be finished in four days”, Rajamani said.

Assuring that that there will be no problem for irrigation, the collector said, at present 16,000 cusecs was flowing in the Cauvery and 13,000 cusecs in the Kollidam. “Once the collapsed structures are fixed, the regulator will be utilised for controlled discharge. Since the shutters are in good condition, the possibility of water going waste is ruled out,” he explained.

As the gap has been filled with boulders and sand bags, it would be able to withstand heavy flow, the collector added.