The Tamil Nadu Consumer Protection and Environment Research Centre, Tiruvarur, has opposed any move to reduce the size of two important waterways – Odampoki River and Kidaramkondan drain channel - for road development in Tiruvarur town.
In a resolution passed at its meeting recently, the centre pointed out that Odampoki River and Kidaramkondan drain channel branch off from the Vettar on the west of Tiruvarur town and rejoin the river on the east. The two waterways with 30-50 metre width serve as flood drain channels during heavy monsoon apart from ensuring water supply for irrigation. They also function as a groundwater recharging source.
Hence, impingement of the banks of Odampoki and Kidaramkondan for widening the carriageways between Old Bus Stand and New Bus Stand, Nagapattinam-Koodalur Road, and for creation of Tiruvarur by-pass would deprive Tiruvarur town of its natural flood drain. Further, the proposal to cover the Odampoki and Kidaramkondan beds with cement concrete would have a direct impact on groundwater availability in the town and surrounding areas.
The centre urged the State government to halt the works immediately and conduct proper environment survey before arriving at a final decision.
