Ensure free-flow of Pallikkal river: B Abdul Nasar,

Kollam: The district collector, B. Abdul Nasar, has ordered to rectify issues enabling a smooth flow of water through the check dam across Pallikkal River within 15 days.

The order follows an expert team report pointing at its flaws that caused flooding in Pavumba area. The collector also directed to remove the sedimentati-on of rocks and sand un-der Thodiyoor Kochupa-lam bridge to strengthen the water flow.

The blocks on the upstream of the river on either side of abutment of the old bridge above the check dam will be cleared.

He also directed the geology department to prevent silt removal in the Vattakayal Lake and to commence works on long-term changes within 21 days.

In the recent rains, water from the river spilt over the check dam damaging over 300 houses and several hectares of crops in Kunnathoor and Kaurna-gappally taluks.

The collector and various department heads visited the spot and directed ADM P. R. Gopalakrishnan to conduct a scientific study on the dam with the support of technical experts.

The minor irrigation department built the dam for Aryampadam lift irrigation project despite protests by farmers and agricultural officers.

The engineers with maj-or and minor irrigation departments, and harbour engineering officials were appointed to study its scientific aspe-cts.

The dam, which rece-ived technical sanction in 2014, has a height of 1.5 metres length of 30 metres and has three openings of 3.5 metres' width.  The Pallikkal Ri-ver originates from Kod-umon in Pathanamthitta and ends at Kannetti Lake in Kar-unagappally flowing over 42 km.

The Sooranad South, Pavumba, Manappally, and Pallikkal areas were enti-rely under the water.

The Thodiyoor – Pavumba road was inundated by the water spilling out of the check dam affecting vehicular traffic.