The Hindu 03.06.2013
Civic body initiates steps to desilt Raliah Dam
It is estimated to cost Rs. 25 lakh
With water shortage having subjected the people in many parts of Coonoor and its surroundings to considerable hardship during the just concluded summer, the civic administration has initiated steps to desilt the Raliah Dam, the main source of water to the hill station.
Speaking to The Hindu here on Saturday, Municipal Commissioner A. Shanmugam said that the civic administration has for sometime now been concerned about the rising silt in the dam, the original depth of which was 43.6 feet.
Since it was estimated that silt had accumulated to a height of about six feet, the district administration had been asked to sanction funds for removing it.
Since there was only about 2.5 feet of water now it was felt that it was the right time to start the operation.
It was estimated to cost Rs. 25 lakh. Following an inspection, The Nilgiris Collector, Archana Patnaik, had given the green signal.
Work which had started earlier this week was expected to be completed in another week. However, it was now estimated that the depth of the silt is over 10 feet. Further wet weather has also started hampering the operation.
Mr. Shanmugam said that until the work was completed the requirements of the people would be met from local sources including Gymkhana and Bellattymattam.
The Raliah Dam is situated at Bandhami about eight km. from Coonoor came into being in 1938 to cater to the needs of a small population.
