Sixty four water bodies will be dredged in the Union Territory to increase the storage capacity for meeting the growing drinking water and irrigation needs, Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy said here on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters after laying the foundation for dredging a temple tank at Periyakalapet, he said the government had decided to dredge major and minor water bodies in Puducherry and Karaikal regions using Central funds.
A sum of ₹16 crore would be utilised for the project.
Corporate sponsor
The dredging of the temple tank would be taken up under the corporate social responsibility plan of a major company having its unit at Kalapet.
The company had agreed to provide ₹1.75 crore to dredge the temple pond, build pathways and floodlights.
A sum of ₹50 lakh would be utilised to build a marriage hall for the temple, he added.
Mr. Narayanasamy said the territorial administration had worked out a plan to clean up water bodies to increase the storage capacity.
Over the years, several water bodies, which were once a perennial source for irrigation and drinking water needs, had shrunk because of accumulation of silt.
The Chief Minister said the water bodies to re-charge the water table.
Work had commenced in several villages under the direct supervision of tank committees. Minister for Revenue M.O.H.F. Shahjahan, who represents the Kalapet constituency, was present.
