Madurai

Thoothukudi district witnessed one of the worst floods in 25 years in November and December 2015 and many parts of Thoothukudi corporation and the surrounding villages were inundated. Encroachments on Uppathuodai, a minor river, caused so much devastation. Heavy downpour in Ottapidaram block in Thoothukudi district led to the swelling of Uppathuodai, as encroachments had reduced the river to a mere stream. The overflow from the stream water entered the neighbouring villages and wreaked havoc.

Having learnt their lessons, officials of Thoothukudi district began flood mitigation works in the beginning of 2016. As part of the process, C N Maheshwaran, Commissioner of Social Security Schemes, recently visited Thoothukudi and inspected the Uppathuodai stream.

An official attached with Public Works Department, Thoothukudi district, said that encroachments by shipping companies along the Uppathuodai were the prime reason behind the flood and they were effectively removed. “A check dam has also been constructed at Umarikadu near Thoothukudi at a cost of Rs 98 lakh to prevent excess water flow,” he said. 

Eleven low-level bridges have been converted into minor bridges at a cost of Rs 41 lakh. “Fourteen minor bridges will be constructed under NABARD scheme to facilitate easier transportation during the times of flood,” added the official, who also assured that officials would be kept ready in case of any emergency situation.

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