Tamil Nadu sanctions Rs 350 crore for irrigation works

CHENNAI: Anticipating loan assistance from NABARD, the Tamil Nadu government has embarked on a ₹350 crore work to modernize and restore the irrigation system of Cauvery sub basin in Budalur and Tiruvaiyaru taluks of Thanjavur district, strengthen Nandan canal in Villupuram district, and construct seven check dams between Bhavanisagar dam and Kalingarayan anicut in Erode district.
The government issued separate orders for the works last week. The water resources department of the PWD had reported to the government that the bed of Cauvery river was heavily silted and there was huge shoal formation and thick vegetation affecting the flow of water. “Due to this, the distribution from Cauvery river is unable to feed (canals) even in normal supply level discharge. The structures in the upper reaches of the Cauvery are heavily damaged, which are intended to divert water for irrigation to the entire delta, including Puducherry and to ensure the compliance of water share as per Cauvery water dispute tribunal award,” said an order. All renovation and modernisation works of the irrigation system have to be completed on a war footing since there is a greater chance of opening Mettur reservoir on June 12, the customary date for kuruvai irrigation, an official said.
TN water resources conservation and rivers restoration corporation limited has already been permitted to seek financial assistance of ₹3,384 crore from NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA) for extension, renovation and modernisation of irrigation system in the Cauvery sub basin. While 90% loan assistance will be given by NIDA, 10% will be borne by the state, the order said. Now the state wants to take up the works in Cauvery sub basin falling in two taluks of Thanjavur at ₹243 crore from its 10% contribution, while NABARD is examining the proposal.
The seven check dams will come up at various locations of Bhavani river and its tributaries over a length of 69km. The proposed artificial recharge structures will be built in Sathyamangalam, T N Palayam, Gobichettipalayam and Anthiyur blocks. “The government carefully examined the proposal of the chief engineer, plan formulation and accordingly administrative sanction is accorded for the construction of cascade of check dams at ₹79.79 crore. Out of which Rs 10 crore is for the current financial year and the balance will be released during subsequent financial years in anticipation of getting loan assistance from NABARD,” an order said.
While the state government has already sanctioned rehabilitation and improvements of 12kms of Nandan canal including lining of the canal in Tiruvannamalai taluk, in June last year, it has sanctioned second round of work to improve 25kms falling in Ginjee, Vikkravandi and Villupuram taluks in Villupuram district at ₹26.57 crore.