Jayalalitha gives Rs 670-cr boost to water resources

In a bid to boost water resources in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister J Jayalalitha on Monday announced Rs 670.5 crore worth infrastructure projects, including construction of dams and strengthening reservoirs in various regions.

Making a statement under Rule 110 of the Assembly, she said a dam would be constructed across Kollidam river at a cost of Rs 400 crore.

Barrages would also be built between Athanur and Kumaramangalam villages in Cuddalore and Nagapattinam districts. Jayalalitha said the small reservoirs at Vadaseri, Piraatiyur, Ariyavur, Punganur and Inamkulathur in Trichy district and seven reservoirs across Ariyaru in Manapparai would be renovated at a cost of Rs 16.85 crore. In addition, she also announced that 17 check dams would be constructed in Trichy district at a cost of Rs 32.30 crore.

Works would be taken up soon to strengthen the right bund of Cauvery at a cost of Rs 1.20 crore. Jayalalitha said the renovation works on the century-old Thadapalli and Arakkankottai channels of Bhavani dam would be carried out at a cost of Rs 40 crore.

Since the height of water storage in Mullaperiyar dam has been increased to Rs 142 feet due to steps taken by her government, the chief minister said the branch channels of Periyar main channels would be renovated at a cost of Rs 40 crore.

She also earmarked Rs 20 crore to strengthen the banks of Poondi channel in the neighbouring Tiruvallur district which brings Krishna water from Andhra Pradesh to meet the drinking water needs of the people of Chennai City.