Rs 670 cr for farm irrigation

Chennai: In a major thrust to agricultural production, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa announced Rs 670.5 crore worth of irrigation infrastructure projects for the state.

Making a suo moto statement in the assembly on Monday, she said a barrage would be constructed across Kollidam river at an outlay of Rs 400 crore to store 0.6 tmc feet of water. Bar-rages would also be built between Athanur and Kumaramangalam villages in Cuddalore and Nagapattinam districts. They would store storm water when the Cauvery flooded and help save water in the Coleroon, Ms Jayalalithaa said.

She said that the sand vent of Uyyakondan Canal in Pettavaithalai village in Srirangam block and the Uyyakondan canal under the jurisdiction of Tiruchy corporation would be renovated at a cost of Rs 14 crore. Further, the reservoirs at Vadaseri, Piraatiyur, Ariyavur, Punganur and Inamkulathur in Srirangam block and seven reservoirs across Ariyaru in Manapparai would be renovated at a cost of Rs 16.85 crore, Kothamangalam reservoir for Rs 2 crore and 3 lakes in  Thiruverumbur, Musiri and Thuraiyur at a cost Rs 2.70 crore.

In addition, works to strengthen the right bund of the Cauvery would be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 1.20 crore. About Rs 48 crore has been earmarked for irrigation facilities in Theni district.

While 17 check dams would be constructed in Tiruchi district for '32 crore, similar infrastructure in Dindigul district would be executed for Rs 31 crore, she said.