"The process of creating artificial recharge wells along the Kowsika River bed is on. 200 such recharge wells will be constructed to increase the ground water table. In another 3 years, Kowsika River will be completely rejuvenated" District Collector, TN Hariharan.
Over decades, the historic Kowsika river which stretches between Coimbatore and Tiruppur covering 49.7km and later joins the Noyyal at Aandipalayam has been in a barrens state due to prolonged negligence. The river that once irrigated around 25,000 acres of agricultural land in the stretch is now dry as a desert with no signs of water flow. Only the board "Kowsika River"on the Mettupalayam Road reminds us of it's existence. While the recent incessant monsoon showers brought several water bodies to it's brim, Kowsika River remains to be an exception.
On Saturday, District Collector TN Hariharan along with the Officials from District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) visited the Kowsika River to oversee the on-going restoration work.
Commenting on the plans to revive the historic river, he stated that "Upon the advice from the scientific committee who worked on the revival plans for Kowsika River, it is decided to build multiple recharge wells through the entire stretch of the river to enhance the water table level in the area which presently completely depleted".
"To execute the project, workforce of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme will be engaged in building the recharge wells. While the aim of constructing such recharge wells is not only to conserve rainwater but to increase the water table level in the river bed. Though an ancient method, the model of creating recharge wells to increase the water table has been proved to be a very constructive methodology in many areas especially in restoring rivers", he said.
"Close to 200 recharge wells with 15 foot depth, six-foot wide will be constructed along the Kowsika River that comes under the Sarkar Samakulam Panchayat. Similarly, 600 recharge wells will be constructed in Annur and Sulur areas during the course of time. The ultimate plan is to rejuvenate the water table in the entire stretch and make Kowsika River flourish. We are certain that this project would yield the desired results within a period of three years", he said.
“The rain water collected in these recharge wells will infiltrate into the subsoil and help to improve the water table which in turn would increase the water levels in the existing wells in around the area. The recharge wells will also help improve the ecology of the area by helping the farmers in irrigation throughout the year. Thereby, reducing the dependence of monsoon rains for cultivation. The wells will also be a source of water for the grazing cattle. It is expected that as the groundwater level increases gradually, the river bed will get revived and water flow in the river will begin", District Collector said.