PWD officials wary about devotees climbing up check-dams across Vaigai river

Public Works Department officials are wary about people climbing on the two check-dams constructed in close proximity to the venue where Lord Kallazhagar would enter into the Vaigai river.

The check dams located upstream and downstream of Albert Victor Bridge were constructed after the 2019 Chithirai festival. Due to COVID-19 lockdown, the festival was not held the last two years.

"This is the first time that the grand event of Lord Kallazhagar's entry into Vaigai will be held after the construction of the check dams," said a PWD engineer.

Stating that usually a huge crowd of devotees would congregate on the Vaigai riverbed and also on the roads on both banks, he said that the size of the crowd is expected to swell this year as all were eager to take part in the annual event.

The devotees, especially the youth, might climb up the checkdams to have a better view of the event. Besides, most of them would try to have fun by jumping into the river as it would have water during the festival.

Unaware of the high velocity of current downstream the shutters of the check-dams, the devotees might enter the water which could pull them down causing injuries.