OOTY: In the wake of a report that appeared in these columns on February 13, the state electricity utility, Tangedgo has begun to release water from the Kamaraj Sagar reservoir near here to ensure water flow to the Segurhalla stream in the Segur jungles, the buffer zone of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), to cater to the water needs of wild animals in the drying jungles. A team of officials from Tangedgo, accompanied by the members of the Tamilnadu Green Movement (TNGM), took part in the event on Thursday morning at Sholour junction from where the water was released in the channel leading to the Segurhalla.
S. Jayachandran, joint secretary of the TNGM, who vehemently voiced his concern for the wildlife and the need to release water at this time of drought, lauded the Tangedgo officials in Nilgiris, especially Mr.Raghu, superintending engineer (generation) of Tangedgo at Kundah, for quickly responding to TNGM’s plea to release water from Kamaraj Sagar reservoir near Ooty.
“Tangedco is bound to spare 20 per cent of the water in the reservoirs to help the streams along to retain their flow. It should ensure water flow to Segurhalla from Kamaraj Sagar reservoir during the dry season, at least until the onset of Southwest monsoon in June. The Forest department should take steps to monitor the regular flow of water in the jungle streams so as to check illegal diversion of water for other purpose by people living along the jungle streams” Mr. Jayachandran pleaded.
