KOCHI: V-Guard Industries Managing Director Kochouseph Chittilapilly has come forward with a new proposal to strengthen the controversial Mullaperiyar dam. Kochouseph told reporters here that the new proposal will be a relief to thousands of people who are concerned about the safety of the dam. According to the new proposal, grouted nail will be constructed with 15-cm high pressure concrete and 40-mm steel rod, which will be anchored downstream of the dam. This will prevent any possible damage to the dam due to earthquakes. Further, the nail anchors are recommended on the side of the hill located on both sides of the dam. Nailing can be done at a space of two-and-a-half metres and at a depth of six metres to the hard rock. Blanket slabs will be constructed downstream with grid beam and grouted anchors would be connected with the slab. Later, piling would be done at select sections to handle the pressure of the water and stress of the dam. Kochouseph Chittilapilly claimed that the project can be completed in nine months and would cost around `55 crore. He has also donated `5.5 crore for the project, while the rest of the money can be collected as donation from the public. The new project will be designed by expert architects from Kochi and Bangalore. Engineers at Veegaland Amusement Park also assisted in the planning of the project. Architects claim that the strengthened dam can withstand any earthquake for another 100 years. Sheela Kochouseph, Arun Chittilapilly, Priya Arun and Joshna Mithun were present.
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