The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Now, urban facilities at their call

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Tuesday, Apr 01, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Now, urban facilities at their call

Libraries established, sports centres developed in villages

Creation of
ponds has
raised ground
water level substantially

Implementation of Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam at villages has resulted in creation of urban facilities at the doorsteps of rural people that would ultimately create an impact in the social life in the district.

One of the main aims of this scheme is injecting substantial resources into one-fifth of the village panchayats every year and improving rural infrastructure in the district in a five-year period.

Tanks to be created

Ponds and tanks would be created, sports centres developed, libraries established and basic amenities such as drinking water supply augmented and burial grounds provided under compulsory components of the scheme.

Under optional works, cement concrete pavements, street lights, fish ponds and shandy would also be developed.

Besides, other works under untied component for Rs.5 lakhs would also be taken up.

Works in 23 villages in eight blocks had been taken up in 2006-07 with a financial allocation of Rs.4.60 crore. In 2007-08, works in another 24 villages were taken up and almost all development works are nearing completion.

Preparatory work

The district administration has started preparatory work for the next financial year.

All village panchayats have been asked to select the works to be implemented in their respective panchayats.

Already, 26 ponds have been selected and administrative sanctions accorded. Work is likely to commence within a week.

Creation of ponds in each village has raised ground water levels substantially and helped people to use water for day-today use.

Even aged people can access to the pond easily thanks to provision of steps up to the water level.

Establishment of libraries with good furniture and availability of newspapers and books have inculcated reading habits among rural people.

To make the youth healthy and keep them physically fit, sports centres have been developed in each village. Such facilities encourage sustainable sports activities, popularise youth welfare activities and maintain communal harmony.

Cremation shed, concrete pavement and compound wall and lighting and water supply at burial ground enable rural people to have access to all the needed facilities at one place.

Visible impact

After implementation of the scheme throughout the district, Collector S.J. Chiru said that there would be a visible impact and distinct improvement in the quality and quantity of the amenities available at village panchayats.

For example, the library in an AGAMT village has become the hub of intellectual activities and sports centres as prime spot for their physical activities.

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