Notwithstanding the dissenting views of Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments over the findings of the Supreme Court-constituted empowered committee (EC), that held the Mullaiperiyar dam safe, the 116-year-old structure badly needs immediate attention.
As many as eight huge holes dug in the dam by technical teams deputed by the EC remain ‘perilously’ open till date.
Several serving and retired TN PWD engineers have raised serious concern over the holes remaining unfilled ahead of the southwest monsoon that brings bountiful rain to the region.
TN PWD senior engineers association has appealed to TN to immediately fill the holes dug months back.
Association secretary R.V.S. Vijayakumar told DC that about seven holes were dug across the entire length of the 1,200 feet long main dam and one hole in the 440 feet long baby dam to collect samples for scientific examination of the dam’s structural safety.
Each hole, measuring six inches in diameter, were dug vertically up to depths ranging between 130 and 190 feet in the dam which has a capacity to store water up to 152 feet, Mr Vijayakumar pointed out.
Alleging that anti-social elements backed by the Kerala government were conspiring to put explosives in the holes, damage the dam and whip up public frenzy, Mr Vijayakumar said a team of TN engineers who visited the dam on April 20 for filling the holes were chased away by the Kerala engineers with the support of their policemen.
If the holes are not closed now, rainwater would enter the holes, percolate deep below during the southwest monsoon and weaken the structure gradually, Cumbum constituency MLA N.
Eramakrishnan cautioned. While Mr Eramakrishnan said the state should write to the SC or Centre to immediately close the holes, Mr Vijayakumar wondered where was the need to get Kerala’s permission as the EC had dug the holes.