Kudimaramathu scheme fails ryots

Chennai: The’Kudimaramathu’ scheme, launched in March 2017 by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has failed to serve its purpose, as water bodies and channels have not been desilted resulting in waste of water.  It may be noted that Cauvery water could not reach tail-end areas in delta belt despite discharge of heavy inflow from Mettur dam.

While farmers and water management activists point out that more quantum of water could have been stored without wasting a single drop of water, had the government effectively implemented Kudimaramathu scheme, they also put a blame on the government and public works department (PWD) stating that they wake up to such issues, only if there is heavy rains and floods. The government machinery does not turn its attention during dry seasons.

To revive the ancient Kudimaramathu system, the Chief Minister, who also holds PWD portfolio, announced such scheme in 30 districts at the cost of Rs 100 crore to take up improvement works like desilting, strengthening of bunds and clearing vegetation in the canals.

However, farmers alleged that the Kudimaramathu scheme was not implemented in a proper manner, as such was functioning under the influence of politicians or private agencies. “Even as this scheme will add a shot in the scheme for farmers, many are not aware of such scheme. The respective district administrations should disseminate awareness on this scheme among the farmers in every farmer’s grievance day meeting,” said N Veerasekaran, state spokesperson of Bharathiya Kisan Sangam.

He added that this scheme was a little successful in some areas and urged PWD officials to implement it in a full-fledged manner so that water can be stored at large quantity.

Arupathy Kalyanam, general secretary of the Federation of Farmers Association of Delta Districts, alleged political intervention in this scheme. “Kudimaramathu scheme is exclusively launched for farmers. Even the officials have not completed 25 per cent of such works in the delta belt. Moreover, such works are handed over to the ruling party functionaries and funds are misappropriated.”

When contacted by DC, M Bhakthavatchalam, Engineering-In-Chief (Irrigation), said “works are in full swing and awareness has reached out to the farmers.” He denied allegations that private agencies were given contracts, he added.