The Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK) petitioned Coimbatore District Collector to stop Kerala Government from closing the pipes that are used for releasing water from the Siruvani dam to the district.
Coimbatore: The Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK) petitioned Coimbatore District Collector to stop Kerala Government from closing the pipes that are used for releasing water from the Siruvani dam to the district.
The Siruvani Dam in the Kerala forest region on the borders of Coimbatore district is the primary source of water for the district. Though the Siruvani dam is under the control of the Kerala government, the maintenance for the dam and the charges towards it are borne by the TN government.
Underground pipelines are in place to retrieve water for supply to the district during the drought seasons. In 2014, the Kerala government closed down one of these underground pipelines. Currently, it is involved in the process of closing down another one too.
The TPDK has therefore petitioned the Coimbatore District Collector urging him to take necessary action to stop Kerala government from closing down the second drought pipeline. They alleged that Kerala government is using the lockdown as an opportunity to close down the pipeline without any resistance.
Further, they stated that the drought situation in Coimbatore could become worse during the dry months if the pipeline were to be closed down. They also accused Kerala officials of obstructing Tamilnadu Public Works department officials from going to the dam. The TPDK insisted that the TN government intervene immediately and stop the pipeline closure that is being undertaken by the Kerala government.