Construction work has commenced on a new regulator across the Vettar at Uthamachozhapuram in Nagapattinam district aimed at preventing seawater intrusion and conserving freshwater for irrigation.
The ₹49.5-crore project, undertaken by the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department, is expected to be completed by February 2027.
The Vettar river, a distributary of the Vennar, originates from the VVR head in ‘Thenperambur’, Thanjavur district. It serves as both an irrigation source and a drainage channel during monsoon. The river flows for approximately 102 km before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. At present, the existing Odacheri regulator, located 19.17 km upstream from the sea, controls the outflow. However, seawater has intruded up to this point, affecting groundwater quality and soil fertility in several villages.
The new regulator that is being constructed will effectively prevent seawater intrusion for up to 11.49 km, benefiting villages, including Kadambankudi, Vilambakkam, Aanaikuppam, Okkur, Uthamachozhapuram, Boothangudi, Vadakarai, Kokkur, Nagore, and Perungadambanur. These areas have experienced increased soil salinity and declining agricultural productivity because of seawater ingress.
Once completed, the regulator will help conserve approximately 87.65 million cubic feet of water, ensuring year-round irrigation support for over 2,040 acres of farmland. The project aims at reducing groundwater salinity over time, securing drinking water availability for over 20 villages in the region.
The project involves the construction of 28 sluice gates to regulate water flow. Work officially commenced on Friday and is scheduled for completion by February 20, 2027.
Vettar has historically played a crucial role in flood management in Nagapattinam. During the 2008 monsoon, the district recorded a peak flood discharge of 16,520 cusecs, while in 2020, it was 9,500 cusecs. Excess floodwaters had often caused breaches along the embankments, leading to extensive damage in surrounding areas.
The new regulator is expected to enhance flood control measures, allowing better management of monsoon inflows and reducing the risk of embankment breaches.
Officials from the Water Resources Department said the initiative was a long-term solution to both water conservation and coastal salinity intrusion, safeguarding agricultural lands and rural livelihoods in Nagapattinam district.
Meanwhile, a section of farmers demanded that the regulator be relocated at least 2 km away near Nagore to minimise its impact. They claimed that the project could adversely affect farmland and drinking water sources across 10 panchayats, including Narimanam, Puthankudi, Perungadambanur, and Palakkadu. Farmers dispersed after officials assured them that their concerns would be taken into consideration.
