Is the TN Water Resources Department Ready to Clear Vegetation from the Cauvery River?
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Synopsis
As the Mettur dam's water level nears a critical mark, the TN Water Resources Department is taking action to clear the Cauvery riverbed of dense vegetation. This crucial step aims to restore the river's natural flow before the upcoming irrigation season. Discover the implications of this proposal and why it matters.
Key Takeaways
- Vegetation clearing is crucial for the Cauvery river's flow.
- Farmers are urging timely action before irrigation season.
- Sand mining has negatively impacted the riverbed.
- Coordination among departments is essential for project success.
- Government funding will facilitate the clearance process.
Chennai, May 15 (NationPress) As the water level in the Mettur dam approaches 110 feet and with only a month left for the scheduled release of water for delta irrigation, the Water Resources Department (WRD) in Tiruchy has put forth a proposal to the Tamil Nadu government aimed at clearing the thick vegetation from the Cauvery riverbed.
This proposal targets the area between Musiri and Kallanai, where excessive plant growth is reportedly hindering the natural flow of water.
Officials from the River Conservation Sub-Division of the WRD confirmed, via a Right to Information (RTI) request from C. Yoganathan, president of the Ayyaru River Protection and Tanks Rejuvenation Association, that a formal request has been made for funding the clearance project.
Upon receiving approval, a comprehensive estimate will be drafted and forwarded to the government for financial sanction.
Yoganathan noted that the section of the Cauvery riverbed between Thottiyam and Kallanai has become overrun with trees and vegetation, severely diminishing the river's water-carrying capacity and creating a potential flood risk during the monsoon season.
Once a crucial source of irrigation and drinking water, the river now faces challenges due to uncontrolled vegetative growth.
Farmers, particularly those near Musiri, have urged the state government to accelerate the clearing process ahead of the anticipated release of water from the Mettur dam on June 12. They also attributed the degradation of the riverbed to rampant sand mining.
According to them, miners have replaced the river's natural sandy base with uneven, clay-heavy areas, which encourage dense plant growth.
A senior WRD official elaborated that preparing an estimate necessitates coordination among the WRD, Forest, and Revenue Departments.
"The Forest Department must assess and catalog the number and types of trees present, while the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) must sanction any tree-felling activities," the official stated.
Once funding is approved, the department will initiate the process of clearing the vegetation, removing dunes, and dismantling temporary roads established for sand mining.
The government typically allocates Rs 5.94 per square meter of the area cleared, officials added.
Point of View
The efforts of the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department to clear the Cauvery riverbed represent a proactive approach to environmental management and agricultural sustainability. It highlights the importance of coordinated efforts among various governmental departments to address ecological concerns while ensuring the needs of farmers and local communities are met.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is vegetation clearing necessary in the Cauvery river?
The clearing is essential to restore the river's natural flow, which has been obstructed by excessive vegetation growth, thereby reducing water-carrying capacity and increasing flood risks.
What is the timeline for this project?
The Water Resources Department aims to expedite the process before the scheduled release of water from the Mettur dam on June 12.
What are the implications of sand mining on the riverbed?
Rampant sand mining has led to the degradation of the riverbed, replacing the natural sandy base with uneven, clay-heavy areas that encourage dense plant growth.
How will the clearing process be funded?
The government typically allocates Rs 5.94 per square meter for the area cleared, with the WRD submitting requests for financial sanction.
Who is responsible for overseeing the vegetation clearance?
The WRD will coordinate with the Forest and Revenue Departments to ensure a comprehensive approach to clearing the vegetation.
