Kemthur, Cherkadi vented dams ready for use

A vented dam at Kemthur constructed across Udyavara river in Manipura of Udupi taluk was built at the cost of Rs 1.05 crore to check the intrusion of salt water. The dam is 65 metre long and 8 metre wide and has 26 piers. The dam is 1.15 metre height. It can facilitate the movement of light vehicles.

The vented dam also provides connectivity between Kemthur and Manipura village. The vented dam will also supply water to Manipura, Alevur, Udyavara, Belle and surrounding villages. It will help in irrigating around 250 acres of agriculture land.

Villager Dinesh Manipura said the vented dam will help the villagers to cross the river. Moreover, it will also help in solving drinking water woes along with checking the intrusion of salt water.

Cherkadi-Hinkladi vented dam built across Madisalu stream in Brahmavar was constructed at the cost of Rs 1.15 crore. The dam provides connectivity between Kaup and Udupi. It will irrigate 210 acres of agriculture land in Cherkadi, Kukkehalli, Perdur, Haluvalli and Hosur.

The vented dam helps in increasing ground water level, feels locals. It will connect Kukkehalli-Cherkadi villages, said Cherkadi Gram Panchayat President Kannaru Kamalaksha Hebbar.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Raghupathy Bhat said vented dams will be constructed at several places in Udupi Assembly constituency. Tender has been invited for the construction of vented dams at Handikallu in Kokkarne and Eggelubettu in Aroor. The dams will be constructed at the cost of Rs 1.34 crore each.