Work on the construction of two high-level bridges that will replace the existing causeways near irrigation tanks in Nemili and Sholinghur taluks in Ranipet was commenced on Thursday.
The new facilities, a long-standing demand of farmers in the region, will put end to a detour of at least 15 kms from 10-12 remote villages in Nemili and Sholinghur taluks in the district especially during monsoon. Bus services will also be initiated to these villages from towns like Ranipet, Walajah and Arakkonam. “During the monsoon, water channels from the tank inundate the existing low-level bridge, cutting villages from the rest of the district. The new bridge will end our ordeal,” said K. Sadaiyann, a farmer in Sholinghur.
Residents said that the two irrigation tanks, which are maintained by the Water Resources Department (WRD), namely Kaveripakkam and Nandimangalam tanks, irrigate more than 8,000 hectares of farmland in Nemili and Sholinghur taluks. The tanks are also major water sources for over 30 village panchayats that have installed borewells on its bund to draw water for consumption. The tanks, which are fed by Palar and Ponnai rivers, also help to recharge groundwater, covering a radius of three kms.
