Check dam across Vaigai river collapses

Madurai, Nov 30 (PTI): A check dam constructed across the Vaigai river at a cost of Rs 14 crore at Nandhi Valasai village in Ramanathapuram district collapsed following flood fury yesterday,officials said. Revenue officials who inspected the site, said construction of the check dam began nine months ago with the objective of augmenting drinking water supply, groundwter level and feeding water for 52 small irrigation tanks. Local people had objected to construction of the dam, fearing they would get affected by floods during rainy season, they said. Collector Arun Roy had been informed about the check dam collapse, said K Rathinam a local Congress leader. Officials said the banks of the river are being strengthened to prevent flooding of villages. PTI SSN APR