A supposed irrigation channel passing through Madakulam is clogged with domestic sewage and garbage. , photo credit: R Ashok
Wild growth, algae, dumping of plastic bottles and bags, and sewage have choked a water channel that was designed to release water from the Madakulam tank to the Kiruthumal river. Madakulam residents want the authorities to take immediate steps to remove the garbage that is choking the channel.
An agriculturist from Madkulam said that it was originally an irrigation channel and the water from Madkulam Kanmai would reach the Kiruthumal river through the water channel. However, in recent times, the development of the area and Duraisamy Nagar choked the water channel.
The overall width of the water channel has reduced, complained P. Naga Srinivasan, a resident of Madakulam. He said that if the authorities do not take immediate steps to address the problem during summer, it will lead to multiple problems ranging from flooding of low-lying areas of densely populated residential areas during monsoon.
If the recent rains can cause many problems, heavy rains during monsoon can wreak havoc if the channel is not desilted and the encroachments along the water channel are not cleared. Another resident of Madakulam, N. Muthukumar said the issue has been a persistent one. The wild growth of Prosopis juliflora (Seemai Karuvelam) trees along the banks of Madakulam Kanmai should also be removed, he said.
Residents say that even after repeated complaints, no action is being taken by the administration. He said the authorities have closed the complaints made by the residents.
However, the officials denied that the water channel had been encroached upon. The matter is being investigated and discussed with the Collector. Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that the obstructions are removed and the water from Madakulam Kanmai reaches the Kiruthumal river. Officials said that the work to this effect would start soon.