Effective steps to tackle water crisis: Minister

Chennai: The state government has initiated measures to effectively tackle the water crisis in Tamil Nadu and works to the tune of Rs 6,255 crores were progressing on a war footing, state municipal administration and rural development minister S. P. Velumani informed the Assembly on Monday.

Replying to Special Call attention motion moved by various parties, he said the Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa had reviewed the water scenario in the state in February this year and thereafter Rs 651.43 crore worth water distribution works were being carried out.

About Rs 67.80 crore worth water projects were taken up in 11 districts (comprising three city Corporations and 40 Municipalities) which received less rainfall, and Rs 77.22 crore worth water projects were being implemented in the remaining 20 districts of the State.

“In all, renovation of 2,335 water resources, creation of new water sources, changing of water taps and distribution of water through tankers are being undertaken. Nearly 90 per cent of over 88,000 works being executed for Rs. 6,255 crore have been completed and the remaining works would be completed soon,” he added.

The government took up the works after considering the deficit rainfall received last year. In 2013, the rainfall was 776.4 mm, 183 mm less than the usual level of 959.4 mm. In 2014, so far, Tamil Nadu received 244.8 mm rainfall, a surplus of 15 mm. But, Erode, Kanyakumari, Karur, Salem, Namakkal, Nilgiris, Puthukottai, Tirupur, Tiruvallur, Tiruchi and Virudhunagar districts received less rainfall, he said.

He recalled that during the Chief Minister’s review, the district Collectors were directed to review the works once a week. Six of the eight integrated water supply schemes were on the verge of completion and this would further help the government, the minister added.