Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur   

Grand Anicut modernisation nearing completion

G. Srinivasan

The works will be over before water release for kuruvai cultivation

IN PROGRESS: Modernisation work under way at Grand Anicut in Thanjavur district on Monday. — Photo: M. Srinath

THANJAVUR: The modernisation works taken up by the Public Works Department (PWD) in the Cauvery division at Grand Anicut in Thanjavur district are nearing completion. The works include construction of stilling basin, pile erection, block protection, etc.

The works were taken up at a cost of Rs.3 crore. All the works will be completed by June 10, well before the release of water for kuruvai cultivation, said Nallusamy, Superintending Engineer and A.Ganesan, Executive Engineer, PWD.

The works have been taken up using the fund provided by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The bank has sanctioned Rs. 17 crore for taking up various works in 2005.

PWD has decided to complete the works in phases from 2005-2007. As per the plan, modernisation of the Grand Anicut canal and Vennar divisions at the Grand Anicut were completed last year.

Forty vents of the Cauvery were modernised last year. Conversion of shutters from manual to electrical operations will be taken up from July this year. A sum of Rs. 30 lakh each for Cauvery and Vennar has been allotted for conversion of 80 per cent of the shutters from manual to electrical operations.

The NABARD package included modernisation of Cauvery and Kodamuruti regulators at Thirukattupalli also.

According to S.Ramamurthy, Sub-Divisional officer, Cauvery division, and Sivakumar and Thamizharasan, Assistant engineers, 13 vents of Cauvery regulator and 15 vents of Kodamuruti at Thirukattupalli regulator were modernised last year. This year, works such as laying roads on bridges, construction of stilling basin, block protection, cut-off wall have been taken up. The works will be completed by June 10. Unfinished works such as construction of launching aprons will be taken up in Cauvery and Kodamuruti at Thirukattupalli regulator and Cauvery at Grand Anicut will be done during closure period next year.

Modernisation works, taken up after several decades, have strengthened both Grand Anicut and Thirukattupalli regulators, Mr. Nallusamy said. Grand Anicut was constructed by King Karikal Chola in 2 A.D. Ten under sluices were constructed during 1839 by Sir Arthur Cotton. Improvements were done in stages in 1886, 1899, 1922 and 1927. Cauvery and Vennar regulators were constructed by Col. Johasted during 1883-1886. Grand Anicut Canal regulator and inlet for drainage was designed by Col.W.M.Ellis in 1929.

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