Farmers seek early commissioning of barrage built across Kollidam River

The barrage built across the Kollidam River between Adhanur and Kumaramangalam in Cuddalore and Nagapattinam districts
| Photo Credit: S.S Kumar

With the construction of the barrage across the Kollidam River, between Adhanur and Kumaramangalam in the Cuddalore and Nagapattinam districts, now complete, farmers in the tail-end delta region of Cuddalore are hoping for an early commissioning of the irrigation structure.

The barrage, built at a cost of ₹465.42 crore, aims at storing nearly 1.02 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water that usually drains into the sea, which, in turn, will help recharge the groundwater table in villages in and around Adhanur and Kumaramangalam in the two districts, besides ensuring the stabilisation of the existing ayacut.

The floodwater harnessed in the barrage will ensure additional supply of water during times of water scarcity to the North Rajan channel in Cuddalore and South Rajan channel in Nagapattinam.

According to a senior Public Works Department (PWD) official: “The physical works, including additional components for the operation of the barrage, have been completed, but the commissioning has been delayed due to problems with land acquisition in Thanjavur district. The government has acquired around 49 hectares — six hectares in Mayiladuthurai and 43 hectares in Cuddalore — needed for the project. However, a section of farmers, who own pattas on the riverbed in Thanjavur, has moved the court and obtained a stay.”

The official added: “The barrage cannot be commissioned until the land acquisition process in Thanjavur district is completed. When the shutters of the barrage are lifted, it will result in the inundation of the patta lands owned by farmers on the riverbed. The land acquisition process is expected to be completed soon. Additionally, the final report for obtaining environmental clearance for the project has been uploaded on the ‘Parvesh’ portal of the Centre.”

The barrage has 84 vends with a capacity to discharge 4,55,726 cusecs. The capacity of the barrage is 0.334 tmc, and around 1.072 tmc of surplus water is proposed to be harnessed through four fillings of rain and surplus flows in a year. The barrage will benefit as many as 5,427 hectares of land each in Cuddalore and Nagapattinam districts.

PWD officials estimate that as many as 307 borewells in 12 villages in the two districts will be recharged, which would help in recharging the groundwater table in the surrounding villages. Each borewell is expected to irrigate an average of 14 acres each covering 1129 hectares in Cuddalore district and 657 hectares in Nagapattinam district.

According to K.V. Elangeeran, president of Cauvery Delta Farmers’ Federation: “The State government should expedite the land acquisition process for the remaining 22 hectares of land owned by farmers in Thanjavur district. It should hold talks with them and ensure that appropriate compensation is provided, since the early commissioning of the barrage will benefit farmers from both districts.”

Mr. Elangeeran also urged the government to construct similar barrages at 10 locations, starting from Mukkombu to Anaikarai, to prevent sea water intrusion and increase groundwater levels. Additionally, the banks of the Kollidam River should be strengthened on both sides of the barrage site.