Check dam better solution: CM

CHENNAI: Rejecting the CPM’s request to scrap the plan to construct a check dam across the Cauvery near Kambarasanpettai in Tiruchy district, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday clarified that building a barrage in that area would be a costly affair and would not serve the purpose.Responding to the request from G Balakrishnan (CPM), the CM said check dams were constructed across rivers to enhance the groundwater table and to improve water quality. Since water for the combined drinking water supply schemes for Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram and Tiruchy is taken from Kambarasanpettai and Mutharasanallur, the groundwater level had gone down in that area  causing problems to the agricultural activities.