Context
Farmers have been demanding the diversion of surplus Cauvery water from Mayanur Barrage to the Ponnaniyar Dam to meet irrigation needs in the Manapparai region.
About Ponnaniyar Dam
- Location: Kadavur hill region, Karur district, Tamil Nadu, near Pooncholai village.
- River: Built across the Ponnaniyar River, a tributary of the Kaveri.
- Construction: Completed in 1976 between the Perumalmalai and Semmalai hills; its downstream area extends into Tiruchirappalli district.
- Type: Concrete gravity dam, which relies mainly on its own weight to withstand water pressure.
- Dimensions: About 59 m high and 310 m long.
- Water capacity: Covers a 33.60 sq mile catchment and stores about 120 million cubic feet (MCFT) of water.
- Uses: Primarily supports irrigation, while also contributing to the water supply of nearby villages and settlements.
- Ecology: It lies amid forest-covered hill terrain that supports wildlife such as elephants, gaurs, sloth bears and sambar deer, along with various bird and reptile species.
Significance
- Agriculture & livelihoods: Better water availability can improve irrigation, farm productivity and rural incomes.
- Water management: The project can improve the utilisation of surplus Cauvery water and strengthen regional water security.
- Environmental protection: Diversion should ensure adequate downstream flows and minimise impacts on forests, wildlife and biodiversity.
FAQs
Q1. Where is the Ponnaniyar Dam located?
Ans: It is located in the Kadavur hill region of Karur district, Tamil Nadu, near Pooncholai village.
Q2. Across which river is the dam constructed?
Ans: It is built across the Ponnaniyar River, which is a tributary of the Kaveri.
