Farmers resolve to force govt. to repair damaged Shenbhagavalli check dam
The Hindu
Shenbhagavalli Check-Dam repair resolution by Vaippaar Irrigation Farmers’ Committee to irrigate 40,000 acres, urging Tamil Nadu and Kerala Governments.
The Shenbhagavalli Check-Dam - Vaippaar Irrigation Farmers’ Coordination Committee has vowed to force the Tamil Nadu and Kerala Governments to repair the check-dam damaged in 1965 floods for irrigating over 40,000 acres of cultivable lands in 3 southern districts.
A resolution to this effect was passed in the meeting held at Sivagiri in the district on Saturday.
The resolution said the two-metre-tall and 1,450 metre-long Shenbhagavalli check-dam was built in 1733 in the Western Ghats beyond Vasudevanallur with lime and the forest stones following an agreement between then King of Travancore and Sivagiri Zamin for diverting the water going waste into Periyar forest for raising crop on 40,000 acres over the present Tenkasi, Virudhunagar and Thoothukudi districts.
When the flood severely damaged the check-dam in 1955, then Chief Minister K. Kamaraj took the initiative for repairing the breach in 1959 by holding talks with the Kerala Government. As floods damaged the check-dam again in 1964, the Department of Forest of Kerala Government refused to cooperate with the Tamil Nadu Government for repairing the structure.
However, then Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran managed to persuade the Kerala Government to plug the major breach. Subsequently, the neighbouring State prepared an estimate costing ₹10.30 lakh and sent it to Tamil Nadu Government seeking 50% share of the expenditure.
Accepting it, MGR sent a cheque for ₹5.15 lakh to Kerala Government in 1985. However, the Kerala Government, for reasons best known to it, indefinitely put the proposal on hold and returned the cheque to Tamil Nadu Government on December 29, 2005.
Seeking direction to the Kerala Government for repairing the damaged check-dam, the Rajasingaperi Irrigation Tank Farmers’ Association in Sivagiri approached the Madras High Court in 2006, which directed both Tamil Nadu and Kerala Governments to repair Shenbhagavalli check-dam within 8 weeks.
Australia activates disaster relief for New South Wales as wildfires threaten properties and infrastructure, with no casualties reported.
Australia’s Pat Cummins confirms he’ll return for the third Ashes Test, easing concerns for the struggling England side.
The Shakespeare Millennium Club in collaboration with the Annai Velankanni Church (Society of St. Vincent De Paul), conducted a Free Medical Camp on November 23, 2025 at the church premises from 9 am to 6 pm, with Dr. Samundi Sankari and Dr. Divya Sivaraman of Srushti Hospitals, Dr. Sharada L N of Aramba, the Kumaran Dental Clinic, Lychee and Satya Physiotherapy Centre, according to a press release.
Hyderabad police support senior citizens living alone, enhancing safety, preventing fraud, and fostering community connections through regular visits.
Explore the vital role of Humanities in fostering critical thinking, empathy, and social harmony amid the STEM-focused higher education landscape.
Tiruvannamalai removes 450 metric tonnes of waste from Maha Deepam day in a two-day cleanup by 2,300 workers.
Chennai Metrowater raises tanker tariffs and removes trip caps to address rising production costs and enhance bulk water supply.
Tamil Nadu commits to enhanced collaboration with the National Green Tribunal for effective environmental governance and protection initiatives.
On Ambedkar's death anniversary, CM Rekha Gupta highlights his enduring ideals of social harmony, equality, and justice.
The Banyan launches the Keshav Desiraju Lived Experience Repository in Chennai to preserve mental illness narratives across various formats.
MetLife Stadium will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19, with 104 matches across North America.
Former IAS officer Pradeep Sharma sentenced to five years for money laundering, causing ₹1.20 crore loss to the government.
The Dr. Mrs. YGP Centenary Annual Festival of Music and Dance launched at PSBB, celebrating classical arts and education.