Encroachment being removed from stream near Sholinghur town

A row of illegal fencing with concrete pillars on dry portions of a stream near an irrigation tank in Kodakkal village near Sholinghur town in Ranipet were demolished on Wednesday as part of restoration of the stream to its original width.

Revenue officials said that the existing stream was originally 60 ft wide for many years. It helped in discharge of excess rainwater in at least eight villages around Sholinghur town to an irrigation tank, which is maintained by the Water Resources Department (WRD).
 
Such discharge of rainwater also prevented inundation of farmlands in these villages during monsoon. “Dry portion of the water stream helped us to reach neighbouring farmlands and hamlets during summer as a short route. The irrigation tank is a key source for cultivation and domestic consumption in its surrounding villages,” said V. Ramu, a farmer.
 
Residents said that a group of real estate agents have erected concrete pillars on the dry area of the stream in an attempt to convert into plots for sale. Despite objections from residents and panchayat officials, pillars were installed on the stream area.
 
As a result, a group of residents gave petitions to Ranipet Collector J.U. Chandrakala on encroachments on dry portion of the stream. “Such encroachments on the stream will block free flow of rainwater from stretches in villages to the irrigation tank through the stream. The natural runoff for rainwater will be blocked,” said K. Selvi, tahsildar, Sholinghur.

Based on orders of Collector Ms. Chandrakala, a team of revenue officials and police led by tasildar Selvi demolished concrete pillars and structures on the stream. The illegal pillars and other structures have reduced the total width of the stream by 20 ft. After more than three-hours of exercise, the original width of the stream was restored.
 
Revenue officials said the irrigation tank, on an average, spreads around 30 hectares. It helps to irrigate around 1,400 hectares of agricultural lands in the region. Paddy is the chief crop. The water stream, which runs to a distance of at least three kms, is a key water source for the tank.
 
As part of restoration, officials said the stream will be deepened at least eight feet from the existing three feet to allow the water body to discharge more rainwater during monsoon. Bunds will be formed on both sides of the stream to prevent accidental fall into it.