<div align="justify">For the first time the desilting works commenced on Sunday at the 83-year old Mettur Dam across Cauvery river, the lifeline of Delta farmers in Tamil Nadu.<br /> <br />The government's decision to desilt the reservoir came against the backdrop of severe drought situation with water in the dam was almost dried this summer.<br /> <br />With southwest monsoon set to begin in next few days, the desilting works have been welcomed by Delta farmers and people in the region. The construction of Mettur dam began in 1925 and was completed in 1934. <br /> <br />Till now the reservoir was not desilted even during previous drought conditions. After inaugurating the desilting works, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that disilting works will be carried out not only in the Mettur dam but in all other water bodies including tanks and ponds across the State.<br /> <br />He claimed said the works including desilting and strengthening of shore, under the Rs 100 crore Kudimaramathu scheme was nearing completion in 1,539 lakes. <br /><br />Similarly, about 2,000 lakes will be taken up for similar work and Rs 300 crore will be allotted for it, he said adding the scheme would help store more rain water. <br /></div>
<div align="justify">For the first time the desilting works commenced on Sunday at the 83-year old Mettur Dam across Cauvery river, the lifeline of Delta farmers in Tamil Nadu.<br /> <br />The government's decision to desilt the reservoir came against the backdrop of severe drought situation with water in the dam was almost dried this summer.<br /> <br />With southwest monsoon set to begin in next few days, the desilting works have been welcomed by Delta farmers and people in the region. The construction of Mettur dam began in 1925 and was completed in 1934. <br /> <br />Till now the reservoir was not desilted even during previous drought conditions. After inaugurating the desilting works, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that disilting works will be carried out not only in the Mettur dam but in all other water bodies including tanks and ponds across the State.<br /> <br />He claimed said the works including desilting and strengthening of shore, under the Rs 100 crore Kudimaramathu scheme was nearing completion in 1,539 lakes. <br /><br />Similarly, about 2,000 lakes will be taken up for similar work and Rs 300 crore will be allotted for it, he said adding the scheme would help store more rain water. <br /></div>
