Newly built Muthulapuram check dam reaches full capacity

THOOTHUKUDI: The newly built check dam across Vaippar River at Muthulapuram in Thoothukudi district has reached its full capacity following the recent rain, bringing cheer to farmers and residents of surrounding villages. The Kovilpatti division of Vaippar river basin has around 29 irrigation tanks. According to an official from the Water Resources Department (WRD), around 10 check dams have been constructed across the Vaippar at various locations to benefit residents and farmers.

The structures help in storing rainwater during the monsoon and improve the ground water table and support drinking water needs and agricultural activities. A. Varadharajan, president, Karisal Bhoomi Farmers Association, said the residents of Kovilpatti, Kottur, Thappathi, Ayan Vadamalapuram and Sakkilipatti had urged the government to construct a new check dam across the Vaippar near Muthulapuram.

Vilathikulam DMK MLA Markandayan took the initiative, and WRD sanctioned around ₹28 crore for the project during the DMK regime.