Public heave a sigh of relief as 92 ground level wells near roads in Vellore get parapet

The wells pose fatal threat to commuters, especially during night, as many fail to notice them due to the thick foliage around them. While there has been no formal announcement from the district administration, the work undertaken by the department is expected to be completedwithin a fortnight.

Sources from the Highways Department informed that a total of 92 such structures were being constructed at Rs 1.92 crore and the individual cost depends on the height and length of each structure which in turn would be based on the distance of the well from the road.

Currently, the parapets are being constructed for the wells close to arterial roads. “The point is that it is these roads that lack a sign board,” complained S Srinivasan, a local resident.

However, the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, which welcomed the move, suggested that some wells that were 60 feet deep could be used as rainwater harvesting pits.

Elaborating on the idea, K Raja of Palleri village in Walajapet taluk, president of the Sangam’s Vellore district unit, said,”A PVC pipe could be inserted through the parapet so that the rainwater could be diverted intothe well.”

“For many years, our sangam has been urging the State government to cover the ground level wells and if the idea of converting the wells to rainwater harvesting pits is undertaken, it will result in ground water being recharged in nearby areas, especially during summer,” he added.