The river Chaliyar is the main source of water to the city of Kozhikode. People residing in a number of nearby Panchayat (both Kozhikode and Malappuram district) also depend on this river for irrigation and drinking purposes. Though the river is water rich, the water level deplates during summer and there used to be severe shortage. Besides, there is salt water intrusion which further compounds the problem. Though, there had been the practice of constructing a temporary bund to prevent the entry of saline water, it involved huge recurring expenses every year.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Kerala decided to construct a bridge cum regulator at Kavanakallu Chaliyar. This multi-purpose project was started in December 1992 but due to fund constraints, the State Government could not complete the project.
Government of Kerala then submitted the proposal to NB for assistance under RIDF. The loan amount of Rs. 730 lakh was sanctioned by NB during 1995-96 (RIDF-I). The project was commissioned on 21st November 2000.
The reservoir stores about 12 million cubic metres of water and has become a great boon to the people of Kozhikode and Mallapuram districts in its adjoining areas in meeting their needs of drinking water and irrigation. About 2000 ha. of cash crops could now be directly irrigated. It is also possible to supply adequate drinking water to Kozhikode Corporation Area.
Further, salt water intrusion into the Agricultural land on the upstream side of the regulator has been successfully arrested.
Besides, the above benefits of irrigation and drinking water supply, the construction of the regulator cum bridge has helped the people of the area in mitigating their transportation difficulties too. Prior to the construction of the bridge, people had to depend on ferry services (operated with country boats) to cross the river. During rainy season, when the river is in full spate, crossing the river had been a risky affair. Commuting was difficult for school/college going children, people going to hospital, markets etc.
The construction of the bridge across the river and the resultant connectivity has helped in bringing about a sea change on this front as well. There is considerable reduction in road distance from places like Nilambur, Manjari etc. to Mavoor and Kozhikode city.
The Medical College Hospital at Kozhikode is the most important hospital serving the people of the two districts. People from places like Nilambar and Manjari in Mallapuram district can reach the medical college by travelling about 16 kms and 10 kms less respectively. Similar has been the case with people from a number of Panchayats like Vazhakkad, Vazhayoor and Poolical. In short, commissioning of this project has brought about much improvements in the agricultural, water supply and transportation needs of the people in the two districts of Mallapuram and Kozhikode. |
