The outcome of the Climate Change Embracing Scheme being carried out with Asian Development Bank's loan in areas where Cauvery river drains into the sea has reflected in the smooth flow of water in the Vellaiyaru, a tributary.
In the first phase, these works are under progress on an outlay of ₹ 960.66 crore in Harichandra Nadhi, Adapparu, Vellaiyaru, Paandavai aaru, Valavanaaru drainage canal, Vedaranyam canal and Uppanaru drainage canal under the Lower Vennaru system.
The first phase also covers works of restoring 13 water pumping schemes, scheme management and those connected with environment, according to an official document.
The scheme under which re-structuring all the water regulators, constructing new ones and upgrading drainage and canals are taken up was initiated about three years back at an estimate of ₹1,560 crore of which the ADB's loan component is ₹1,092 crore and State's share is ₹468 crore, the document said.
“There has been a time overrun in execution of the project. The works must have been completed by now. As things stand, it may take two more years for completion of all the works,” S. Dhanapalan, General Secretary, Cauvery Farmers Protection Association said.
Mr. Dhanapalan said the better water flow in the tributaries may not reflect in any utility for farmers, reasoning out that removal of sand has eliminated scope for recharge of groundwater along the course.
