Hoping that the desilting of waterbodies and removal of encroachments in canals and tanks under the kudimaramathu scheme would pave way for enhanced conservation of rainwater in these facilities during the ensuing north east monsoon, said District Collector M. Vijayalakshmi here on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, she said that the kudimaramathu scheme, was being implemented across the State after the Chief Minister took stock of the situation due to drastic climate changes.
It had necessitated the administration to carry on the works on a war-footing. In the district, the Collector said 114 works have been identified and would be completed at a cost of ₹34.36 crore. The PWD (Water Resources Organisation) which is the monitoring agency, has roped in farmers and their organisations to work along with the official machinery.
By involving the farmers, the government would not only instil confidence among the beneficiaries, but they would also understand the need for the infrastructure to be intact for better usage, Ms. Vijayalakshmi said and added that care had been taken to cover all the key waterbodies across the district starting from Palani, Oddanchatram, Athur, Natham, Dindigul and Vedasandur Assembly Constituencies respectively.
Some of the farmers made a representation to the Collector for strengthening of bunds. Similarly, there was also a representation for periodic removal of encroachments in the PWD maintained canals.
The Collector directed the officials to take note of the points raised by the farmers and execute them.
Assistant Executive Engineer (PWD-WRO) Soundaram said that the objective of the kudimaramathu scheme was to engage farmers usefully and educate them to preserve water for irrigation. He also said that on completion of desilting works, the water table would rise. Instead of depending on water from the dams, by preserving water in waterbodies that were closer to farm lands, farmers would get better yield, he said.
