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Chithirai Chavadi Anicut

Submitted by admin on Thu, 12/30/2010 - 02:15

Chithirai Chavadi Anicut plays a prominent role in Noyyal River System as it feeds water to 7 tanks in the city through its 11.75 kms channel, in addition to its 39 irrigation sluices directly irrigating 3791 acres. The tanks are:-

  1. Pudukulam        
  2. Kolarampathi         
  3. Narasampathi
  4. Krishnampathi   
  5. Selvampathi         
  6. Kumarasamy
  7. Selvachinthamani

And the surplus water from the Selvachinthamani Tank reach the Coimbatore Big Tank and Valankulam Tank. This ancient irrigation system was constructed for the purpose of irrigation aiming to make better the income levels and living standards of the people in this region.

 

Chithirai Chavadi Anicut - Before Work
CC Before

The Problem

Most of the up-stream portions of the anicut was encroached on either side by farmers for cultivating agricultural crops.  As a result, the water storage capacity of the anicut became very less and subsequently there was no water stored at all.  The aprons, off-take sluice structures, the sand vents and its screw gearing shutters were found damaged.  Due to extensive wear & tear over a period of many years, crass masonry structures such as wing walls, abutments, apron, etc., too of the Chithrai Chavadi Anicut was in damaged condition for which immediate restoration measures were most warranted.

Desilting and strengthening of Chithirai Chavadi Anicut

It was then that Siruthuli, with help of the District Adminstration authorities undertook the tasks reversing all the damages to the anicut over the years. The restoration work started on 01.05.2007 and completed by 25.05.2007.  Thereafter, to control the soil erosion during rainy season and for strengthening the bunds we have planted cenchrus grass on both the slopes and the top surface of the entire length of the bunds [400 mtrs].

Chithirai Chavadi - Work in Progress
CC before 1 CC Wip 2
CC - Wip 3 CC - Wip 4


Hydraulic particulars of Chithrai Chavadi anicut

Length of anicut             :-    282 ft.
Number of sluices           :-     4 nos (size 6.’0x 4.6’)
Sand vent                       :-    1 no. (size 4.0’ x 5.8’)
Supply channel length    :-     11.75 kms
No of irrigation sluice      :-    39 nos
Total irrigated area         :-    3,791 acres.
MSL of the Anicut            :-     (+) 1400 ft.
 
Benefits:


After the Chithrai Chavadi Anicut was desilted , repaired & improvement works were carried out, the following measurable and non-measurable benefits were reaped by the people of that region:

  • As a result of removing for about 60,000 M3 silt from the anicut, water could be stored to that extent like in a small reservoir.
  • The farmers’ wells/bore wells located on both the sides of the anicut's upstream as well as downstream area for about 2500 acres will get recharged.
  • The peripheral tank bunds protects further encroachments.
  • Free flow of water from the anicut to the Chithrai Chavadi channel will directly benefit the farmers of Chithrai Chavadi Pasana Vivasayigal Sangam.
  • A considerable raise in the ground water table of that region.
  • Enough dead storage is established which stores huge amount of rainwater, which enables to bring in favorable changes in the local ecological balance.
  • As vertically dipping fractures are observed and reported in literatures the influence of recharge can extend upto 10 sq.kms along the strike direction – along the North-east and South-west.

Chithirai Chavadi - After Work
CC After 1        CC After 2

 

Chithirai Chavadi anicut is a golden pearl in the crown of Mother Noyyal and restoring its might and glory, has strengthened her arms to benefit mankind and has inspired mankind to give her more tributes.