‘Expedite regulator project’

Additional Secretary of Public Works Department M. Balaji on Thursday inspected the progress of erecting sheet pile walls across the Kollidam at Mukkombu.

It is being undertaken at an estimate of ₹38.85 crore for 880 metre across the Kollidam. The project is aimed at preventing soil erosion and water leak through temporary bunds built along the damaged regulator that was washed away on August 22. The visit assumed significance in the background of farmers urging the government to complete the sheet pile project before the opening of Mettur dam for irrigation.

He discussed with the PWD officials at the project site and took note of progress of the work. Engineers and representatives of the contractor took park in the discussion. He asked the officials to expedite the project. He directed the officials to ensure quality of work. The project is supposed to be completed within three months from the date of issuance of work order. The PWD had originally planned to complete the project within May.

Under the project, sheet pile walls will be constructed on both upstream and downstream of the temporary bunds built across the Kollidam. While the sheet pile wall on the downstream will run for 650 metres, it will be constructed for 126 metres on upstream. It has been planned to connect the joints of adjacent sheet pile sections in sequential installation. It is aimed at ensuring the stability of temporary bunds and remaining portion of the regulator.

He also inspected the progress of construction of new regulator across the Kollidam. It is being carried out at an estimate of ₹368 crore. The new regulator will replace the existing 182-year-old brick masonry structure, a portion of which collapsed and washed away on August 22 in the wake of heavy discharge of water into the Kollidam from the regulator at Mukkombu.

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