Siruvani dam seepage rectification awaits approval from Central Water and Power Research Station

COIMBATORE: A pressure grouting method suggested to arrest the seepage on the Siruvani dam is awaiting approval of the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Coimbatore corporation officials have said.

Siruvani dam, situated in Kerala, is a major source of drinking water for Coimbatore city.Corporation commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran inspected the dam along with Kerala irrigation department officials on Thursday. A senior corporation official stated that regular maintenance work, including painting, lubricating the gates and other structural supervision, were being carried out at the dam. "It was a routine joint inspection to check the ongoing work and the water level at the dam.

Besides, there were discussions on the progress of curbing the dam seepage. Earlier, the installation of a geomembrane material was suggested. Now it is suggested to go for a pressure grouting method to arrest the seepage. However, final approval from consultant CWPRS is required, and the corporation will be writing, requesting a joint inspection for the approval to proceed with grouting.

"The dam's permissible seepage level exceeded over time as the diameter of the holes increased, leading to excess water loss.

The official mentioned that it is doubtful if the suggested technique could be executed due to the dam's current water level. "The dam's water level is almost full due to recent rain, and we are unsure if the technique can be implemented, for which we are requesting final approval from the CWPRS," he said.According to official sources, the Siruvani dam's water level as on Friday was recorded at 38.74 feet against its full capacity of 49.53 feet. As per the dam safety officer's (DSO) instructions, water level is restricted to 44.61 feet.