Thanjavur: The World Bank has come forward to fund modernisation of the irrigation system in the Cauvery delta and asked the State Government to send proposals, PWD Minister Durai Murugan said here on Thursday.

The Minister, who inspected desilting works taken up by the Public Works Department in Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts, told reporters that the irrigation system could not be modernised pending announcement of the final award of the Cauvery River Water Disputes Tribunal. Mr. Durai Murugan said he and the PWD secretary discussed the proposal with World Bank Adviser Rajagopalan in Chennai on Wednesday. It was estimated that Rs. 3000 to Rs. 4000 crore might be required for modernisation. The World Bank had agreed to fund the project.

"Later, I apprised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi of the talks I had with the World Bank adviser. The Chief Minister asked me to prepare proposals and send them to the World Bank. Accordingly, PWD engineers have been asked to prepare the proposals."

The work includes complete lining of canals, strengthening of banks, repair of shutters and old regulators. It would ensure there was no flood or irrigation-related problems in the delta for next 100 to 200 years.

"It will be a historical achievement of the DMK Government. In all probabilities, the work may start from next year," he said.

Proposals had also been sent to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). They included Rs. 207-crore proposal for strengthening the banks of the Cauvery and the Kollidam from Sri Rangam to Grand Anicut, strengthening the banks of the Kollidam from Grand Anicut to Poompuhar at a cost of Rs. 200 crore and strengthening the banks of the Grand Anicut canal at a cost of Rs. 167 crore.

The World Bank had also been approached for implementing a diversion scheme for Agniyar to irrigate some parts of Pudukottai district and prevent floods in Tiruchi.

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