WRD calls for tenders for two flood-mitigation works in Tiruchi district

The Water Resources Department (WRD) has floated tenders for executing two major flood- mitigation works in Tiruchi district, including the construction of a Gabion grade wall to reinforce a vulnerable stretch of the Kollidam river bund at Kariyamanickam near Tiruchi to prevent erosion and flooding.

The left bank of the Kollidam suffered erosion at Kariyamanickam during heavy discharges in the river in 2022 and 2024. Major breaches were averted, thanks to the timely detection of the vertical spits and erosion by the officials. The bund was temporarily reinforced using scores of lorries of stone boulders on both the occasions.

In an attempt to find a permanent solution to the recurring problem, the department mooted the construction of a Gabion wall, which are large cage/box like structures filled with rocks held together by wire mesh that helps prevent erosion and retain a slope, according to WRD sources.

The wall, to be built at the eroded portion, would protect the river bank from damage during peak discharges in the river. The work would be executed at an estimated cost of ₹9.75 crore, the sources added.

The Kollidam serves as an important flood carrier, with surplus discharges in the Cauvery being diverted into it at Mukkombu near Tiruchi. Surplus discharges in the Cauvery had been repeatedly diverted into the river this year too.

Last year, the WRD built a Gabion wall to strengthen another vulnerable stretch of the river bund at Anbil near Lalgudi at a cost of ₹6.83 crore.

The other flood-mitigation project would be executed at a cost of ₹9.81 crore on the scoured portion of the right bank of the Koozhaiyar drain at Poovalur and Arattan Vaical at Siruthaiyur where heavy rain discharges had caused flooding in recent years.

The work is scheduled to be completed within 12 months from the date of signing of contract. However, WRD sources indicated that efforts would be made to complete the work ahead of the schedule. The work would begin soon, once the tenders are awarded. The approaching northeast monsoon would not be a major impediment, an official said.