Tamil Nadu   

18th Canal Scheme being expedited to augment water

THENI: A hundred-year-old dream of thousands of farmers in drought-prone areas in the western part of Uthamapalayam taluk and other areas will become a reality within the next 10 months as the government has expedited 18th Canal Scheme with an aim of augmenting ground water.

The Public Works Department has already completed 71 per cent of the work that was being executed in three phases.

But the construction of a new anaicut across the Suruliar River, one kilometre above Vairavanar dam and 800 metres below the lower camp Power House at Goodalur to feed the 18th canal, major pending work, has not been started till date, owing to various constraints.

Now, the government sanctioned funds and floated tenders for construction of a dam. The tender for the dam construction at an estimated cost of Rs.1.40 crore is expected to be finalised on Wednesday.

Water flowing in five streams and in the Suriliyar river will be diverted through 41.25 km-long canal and stored in 40 tanks, including four new tanks to revive irrigation wells at Kombai, Thevaram, Pannaipuram, T. Meenakshipuram, Pottipuram, Shankarapuram and neighbouring villages. (The Shanmuga river dam has already been irrigating dry areas on the eastern part of Uthamapalayam).

On execution of this programme, a total of 511.16 hectares will be stabilised, besides bridging a gap of 73.90 hectares. In addition, new area of 22.81 hectares will also be covered, according to Public Works Department officials.

In the first phase, 90 per cent of the work is over. Only 800-metre long stretch has to be laid. Over 65 per cent of work is over in the second phase and 70 per cent in the third phase.

A sum of Rs.10.83 crore has been provided this year to complete the work and operate the scheme by September 2008. The scheme has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs.26.52 crore in 1999. Later, the government has revised the cost to Rs.28.60 crore and sanctioned funds.

The PWD officials estimated that the yield of water from its catchments will be 41.41 mcft and supply through the canal 104.51 mcft.

Farmers have already staged a demonstration and engaged in agitation and protests for speedy implementation of the scheme earlier.

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