Cuddalore Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar inspected flood mitigation works being undertaken by the Water Resources Department (WRD) along the Thenpennai and Gedilam rivers in Cuddalore and Panruti taluks on Monday.

He directed officials to ensure quality and expedite the works.

According to a press release, the Collector inspected the work on strengthening the banks of the Thenpennai river to protect low-lying areas, including Manjakuppam, Gundu Uppalavadi, Kandakadu, Periyakanganakuppam, Utchimedu, Nanamedu and Uppalavadi. The work is being executed at a cost of ₹57 crore.

On completion, the work is expected to protect six villages and 27 wards of Cuddalore Corporation, agricultural lands and houses.

The Collector also inspected the construction of a 323-metre flood protection wall along the right bank of the Thenpennai river between Kumarappan Nagar and the Collectorate. He also inspected desilting works in the Walajah canal at Karumbur and the Vellapakkam main canal at Nellikuppam.

Mr. Kumar also inspected the construction of a check dam across the Thenpennai river at Melpattambakkam in Panruti taluk. The check dam, being built at a cost of ₹63 crore, is expected to recharge groundwater, benefit 131 borewells in eight villages and support irrigation across 2,410.12 hectares.

The Collector also inspected the construction of flood protection walls and strengthening of embankments of the Gedilam river. The work on completion would benefit 9,537 residents, reduce flood damage, protect agricultural lands and conserve rainwater that would otherwise drain into the sea, it said.