The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Groundwater recharge scheme hits a roadblock

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Friday, Nov 27, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Groundwater recharge scheme hits a roadblock

T. Ramakrishnan

CHENNAI: A scheme meant to benefit farmers in setting up groundwater recharge structures has hit a roadblock.

The State government has decided not to grant fresh approvals till 50 per cent of the beneficiaries establish the structures. Reason: only about 15,000 artificial recharge structures have come up whereas the authorities, since September 2008, cleared about 3.47 lakh wells for coverage under the scheme. For setting up the structures, small or marginal farmers get a subsidy of Rs. 4,000 per well. In the case of other farmers, the amount given is Rs. 2,000 per well. Till now, a sum of Rs. 102 crore has been disbursed.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the State-Level Steering Committee last month. The scheme is completely funded by the Centre. Its objective is to recharge the existing dug wells, using runoff water from the agricultural fields. A total of Rs. 509 crore has been sanctioned for Tamil Nadu, one of the seven States chosen for the scheme.

According to data available with the government, the State has about 12.5 lakh such wells. Nearly 10 lakh wells are owned by small farmers (up to one hectare land holding) and small farmers (1-2 ha land holding). The districts of Chennai, Nilgiris, Kanyakumari and Ariyalur have been excluded from the scheme.

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