Check Dam at Adigathur on Cooum River Set to be Completed by August
The Cooum River, located about 60 km from Chennai, will soon witness the construction of a new check dam at Adigathur. This check dam, which is expected to be completed by early August, aims to recharge groundwater in areas falling under a semi-critical zone, where groundwater extraction is above 70%.
The upcoming check dam will be the third of its kind on the river, following the Kesavaram anicut and the Pudhumavilangai check dam located 7 km downstream. According to officials from the Public Works Department, approximately 85% of the storage structure across the 200-meter wide river has been completed so far.
Once finished, the ₹17.7-crore project will provide several villages, including Egattur, Thandalam, Kadambathur, Selai, and Melnallathur, with access to a better groundwater source for drinking and agriculture needs. These regions are known for cultivating groundnuts, paddy, and guava. By storing excess floodwater, the check dam is expected to improve the water table from its current 35-foot depth to 15 feet.
The only pending work is the formation of the bund for a 4-kilometer stretch using ‘savudu’ earth sourced from the Adigathur tank, which is awaiting approval. With a capacity to carry a flow of 25,000 cusecs, the Cooum River will be able to store approximately 50 million cubic feet of water through the new check dam. This structure will retain water in the river for a stretch of 2 km upstream.
According to officials, such check dams will store water even during the summer months, enriching the groundwater table and aiding irrigation in approximately 540 acres of neighboring villages.
Other check dams are already present along the Cooum River, such as the Korattur anicut and Putlur. The Public Works Department plans to construct storage structures every 5 km along the river to conserve runoff that would otherwise flow into the sea.
This development holds significant importance as it will not only benefit the local communities in terms of water availability but also contribute to the conservation of a vital natural resource. With the completion of the Adigathur check dam, the Cooum River will see improved water retention and sustainable irrigation practices, ensuring the well-being of both the environment and the people who depend on it.
In conclusion, the Adigathur check dam on the Cooum River is nearing completion, with only minor pending work remaining. Once finished, it will bring about positive changes in groundwater levels, benefiting nearby villages and helping sustain agriculture in the region. This project is one of many aimed at conserving water resources and optimizing the utilization of rivers in the area. The completion is eagerly awaited, and it will be interesting to witness the positive impact it will have on the region.
