The Water Resources Department has officially commenced the much-anticipated restoration work on the Thalavanur anicut, a crucial structure spanning the Thenpennai River. This vital project is situated strategically between the villages of Enathimangalam and Thalavanur, marking a significant step towards regional water security.
Stretching an impressive 480 meters and standing 2.30 meters tall, this anicut acts as a critical link between Cuddalore and Villupuram districts. Its design features six distinct vents, evenly split with three located in Enathimangalam (Cuddalore district) and the remaining three in Thalavanur (Villupuram district), ensuring controlled water flow.
Positioned approximately 10 kilometers from Villupuram, the anicut’s original purpose was ingenious: to effectively capture floodwaters and facilitate the replenishment of vital groundwater reserves. The groundbreaking ceremony for this transformative project recently took place, with District Collector Sheik Abdul Rahman laying the foundation stone, accompanied by Villupuram MLA R. Lakshmanan. This extensive restoration effort is projected to cost an estimated ₹84 crore.
Officials highlight the anicut’s indispensable role, noting its capacity to channel excess floodwater into a network of tanks, including Karumbur, Akkadavalli, Pulavanur, L.N. Puram, and Chettipattarai in the Panurti region of Cuddalore district. More broadly, the Thalavanur anicut is a cornerstone for agricultural prosperity, providing essential irrigation to a staggering 855.58 hectares of farmland across seven villages spanning both Villupuram and Cuddalore districts.