The State-level inauguration of the Rs.105-crore modernisation programme for lift irrigation schemes was done by Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac at Aluva, near here, on Friday.
The project has been devised to revamp the 418 lift irrigation schemes across the State.
Speaking at the inaugural, Mr. Isaac said that funds for the schemes would be made available through treasury deposits.
The government will start a drive for attracting treasury deposits and the programme will be launched at Perinthalmanna on May 22.
The government will also find public funds for carrying out the schemes, the Minister said. Land owners who had given up land for the construction of the bypass at Perinthalmanna will make the first deposit to the treasury at the launch of the programme.
As many as 61 new treasuries will be opened across the State.
Also, the existing treasuries will be upgraded and modernised, he said.
Minister for Irrigation and Water Resources N.K. Premachandran presided over the function. A.M. Yusuf, MLA, welcomed the gathering.
Irrigation Chief Engineer P. Lathika, presented the report on the schemes.
Transport Minister Jose Thettayil; K.P. Dhanapalan, Saju Paul and M. J. Jacob, MLAs; and Smitha Gopi, chairperson, Aluva Municipal Council, spoke on the occasion.
