VELLORE: A breach in the earthen bund of the Vellakulam mini-dam in Punganur Reservoir in Timiri block submerged crops in several acres of land and flooded a couple of villages.
The dam, which was constructed in the mid-80s, received surplus water after eight years following incessant rains, which brought cheer to the farmers in around 10 villages in Punganur and Varakur Panchayats. But, the alleged failure of the officials in maintaining the structure has put hundreds of farmers in deep trouble.
Ironically, the officials of the Revenue, Agriculture Engineering, Forest and PWD Departments were not aware that who built and maintained the dam. “We need 20,000 sandbags to plug the breach, “ said an official.
Fortunately, no casualty was reported. But, crops such as paddy and turmeric and banana plantations in several acres on the surplus course (downstream) of the dam were submerged. “We will take up the restoration work in the coming days,” she added.
The rain was a blessing for the farmers as it filled the dam 20 days ago. The farmers celebrated and offered prayers, said M Ravi, a farmer. He added, “We didn’t expect the precious rainwater would go to waste owing to the lethargic attitude of the officials as they failed to maintain the stability of dam. The water submerged crops raised in around 700 acres of land in two panchayats.”
The breach triggered flash-floods along the surplus course (waterway) at about 8.30 am. “The current is heavy and washed away my pumpset. The EB post erected on my land to draw connection for the pumpset also tilted and will fall any moment,” said Sudhakar, whose land was along the dam.
