Impact study of regulator cum bridges

Abstract

Water scarcity is an alarming problem that we face now-a-days. Even though we have abundant sources of water, good quality water is not available when needed. Here comes the relevance of water conservation structures. Allocation of water in case of multi-purpose projects among various competing needs such as drinking water, irrigation, industrial demands, downstream release etc. is a matter of great concern. Hence reservoirs must be subjected to thorough analysis to see that each drop of water impounded is utilized in the best possible manner. So a study was undertaken for analyzing the impact of Regulator cum Bridges at Chamravattom and Koottayi in Malappuram district with the specific objectives of determining the impact of RCB on water quality, agriculture, soil, ecosystem and transportation. Regulator cum Bridges though have number of positive impacts in terms of prevention of saline intrusion, increase in ground water table, increase in area of production, improved transportation and communication facilities, have got number of negative impacts also on the upstream side of it. The negative impacts observed in the case of Koottayi RCB are also reported in the case of Chamravattom RCB. The results of the present study reveals that a thorough EIA of the RCB’ s are to be conducted to assess the negative impacts on the upstream side and appropriate corrective / remedial measures are to be taken to over cum these negative impacts.