48 check dams across rivers in Yercaud hills demolished

SALEM: Forty eight check dams constructed across small rivers in Yercaud hills in the district allegedly by estate owners were demolished, District Collector K Magarabhushan said here today.

The checkdams were constructed across Sarabanga, Vaniyar, Tirumanimuthaaru rivers in the hills, obstructing downhill flow for the last few years, he said.

Following protests by the public, 12 teams, including revenue and forest officials, demolished the structures.

Meanwhile, an estate owner Prakash told reporters that the check dams were not illegal as they were construted during the British era and said they would move court.