The State government has proposed to renovate Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) canals at a cost of ₹945 crore, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said in Erode on Friday.
Addressing the media, he said that there is a long-pending demand to renovate the canals so that seepage is arrested and water reaches the tail-end farmers. “To ensure that not a single drop of water is wasted, a proposal is with the government to carry out renovation of the canals”, he said. He added that ₹65 crore has been allotted for concrete flooring of the Mettur West Canal and seven check dams will be constructed across river Bhavani in Erode district at a cost of ₹81 crore.
Drinking water schemes
Mr. Palaniswami said that 30% of the work under Athikadavu – Avinashi Ground Water Recharge and Drinking Water Supply Scheme has been completed and the rest would be completed on time.
Also, 72% works under the Kodiveri Combined Water Supply Scheme has been completed, while 95% of the work under the Dedicated Water Supply Scheme for Erode Corporation had been completed.
The Chief Minister said that land acquisition has begun for the ₹20 crore Erode-Thindal- Kanirowther Lake road widening project, while the legal hurdles in implementing the outer ring project have been resolved and work will be completed in three months.
Mr. Palaniswami held meetings with representatives from industries, farmers and also SHG members. He also reviewed COVID-19 control activities in the district. Ministers K.A. Sengottaiyan and K.C. Karuppannan, Collector C. Kathiravan and officials were present.
Meanwhile, Mr. Palaniswami condoled the death of two persons, who died of asphyxiation while attempting to clean a clogged drain in Chennai on Thursday. He has instructed the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board to grant ₹10 lakh to the families of each of the deceased.