Srimangala: In a disappointing turn of events, all three check dams constructed in Srimangala village, located on the same river within a two-kilometer radius, have failed to deliver the intended results. The ambitious project, aimed at alleviating water droughts during the summer months, has left villagers disillusioned.
The three check dams, built on the "Nat Kund" river originating from Birunani village in Ponnampet taluk, were expected to help in storing water for agricultural and drinking purposes. However, the reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture.
The failure of these check dams is being seen as an exception to the concept of check dam construction and its intended use. Birunani, being a hilly area, witnesses heavy rains during the monsoon but faces acute water scarcity, especially during the summer months.
Local residents are expressing their dismay over the lack of benefits from the construction of these check dams. They are calling on people's representatives and officials to inspect the project and ascertain why it has not yielded the desired results.
Speaking to The Kodagu Express, Kumaraswamy, Assistant Executive Engineer of the Minor Irrigation Department in Madikeri, acknowledged the lapse in gate installation of the check dams. He assured that corrective measures would be taken to rectify the issue and ensure water collection.
B. K. Nanaiah, a farmer from Birunani, highlighted the fact that despite the construction of the check dams, they were drained of water before the onset of summer. He urged authorities to fix the loopholes in the project to make it useful for the community.
Local resident Mani expressed his disappointment, stating, "Despite the construction of a check dam with crores of public funding, it has not been able to stop the flowing river water."
The failure of these check dams has raised questions about the planning and execution of such projects and the need for greater accountability to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively for the benefit of the community.
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