It is constructed across the Vellar in Perambalur

 

The construction of the anicut across the Vellar near Keezhakudikadu village in Kunnam taluk in Perambalur district has come as a boon for local residents and farmers as it has helped harness rainwater and improve the groundwater table in the region.

The anicut was built at a cost of Rs. 8.11 crore with assistance from the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and was declared open by Chief Minister Edappadi K.Palaniswami during the MGR centenary celebrations in August.

The anicut runs a length of 240 metres and a height of 1.71 metres and is intended to harness the rain flow in the river. Flood banks have been formed for a length of 200 metres upstream and 50 metres downstream of the river on both sides. Eight scour vents have been provided.

A channel from the anicut feeds the Athiyur tank and, subsequently, another channel takes the surplus flow to Keezhmathur, Kaiperambalur and Vayalur tanks in the district, stabilising irrigation for about 1204.80 acres, according to Public Works Department officials.

The surplus water from the tanks ultimately flows into the Chinnar river. The construction of the anicut will help food grain production of about 3,169 tonnes a year, PWD estimates indicate.

Since there is no anicut downstream Thozhudur, the structure will greatly benefit farmers. Local residents also stand to gain, as it will help improve the water table. “The recent good monsoon rain in the district has helped fill up almost all tanks,” said A. Deiveegan, Executive Engineer, PWD, Maruthaiyar Basin Division.

This apart, the groundwater table has improved considerably and helped ease the drinking water supply situation in the entire area, including Lebbaikudikadu town panchayat, a major locality, and Perambalur Sugar Factory, located near the anicut, he said.