WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
POLICY NOTE
2023 - 2024
DEMAND No. 40
Thiru.DURAIMURUGAN
Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources
©
Government of Tamil Nadu
Printed by : Government Central Press, Chennai - 1. 2023
INDEX
Sl. Page
Subject
No. No
1.0 Introduction 1
Activities of the Water
1.1 1
Resources Department
1.2 Water Resources Potential 3
1.3 Sustainable Development Goals 5
Tamil Nadu Water Resources
1.4 (Regulation and Management) 7
Authority Act
1.5 Tamil Nadu State Water Policy 8
1.6 Jal Shakti Abhiyan 10
2.0 Inter - State Water Issues 16
2.1 Cauvery Water Issue 16
2.2 Mullai Periyar Dam 31
2.3 Palar River Water Issue 44
Parambikulam Aliyar Project –
2.4 46
Review of Agreement
2.5 Neyyar Irrigation Project 50
i
Sl. Page
Subject
No. No
2.6 Repairs to Shenbagavalli Anicut 51
2.7 Pennaiyar River 52
2.8 Inter Linking of Rivers 56
Pandiyar – Punnampuzha
2.9 63
Project
3.0 Krishna Water Supply Project 66
Interlinking of Rivers within the
4.0 69
State
Cauvery - Agniyar - South
4.1 Vellar - Manimuthar - Vaigai - 69
Gundar Link Canal Scheme
Inter - linking of Thamirabarani
4.2 - Karumeniyar - Nambiyar 72
Rivers
4.3 River links under investigation 75
5.0 Special Desilting Works 82
5.1 Cauvery Delta Desilting 82
ii
Sl. Page
Subject
No. No
Special Desilting Works in
5.2 83
Madurai Region
Special Desilting Works in
5.3 84
Coimbatore Region
Construction of New Regulator
6.0 across Kollidam River at 86
Mukkombu (Upper Anicut)
Construction of a New Barrage
with Head Sluice across
Kollidam River in Adhanur and
7.0 87
Kumaramangalam Villages in
Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai
Districts
Construction of Barrage across
8.0 the Cauvery River in Nanjai 89
Pugalur
Extension, Renovation and
9.0 Modernization of the Cauvery 90
Basin Irrigation System (ERM)
Mettur - Sarabanga Lift
10.0 97
Irrigation Scheme
iii
Sl. Page
Subject
No. No
Athikadavu Avinashi Pumping
11.0 98
Scheme
Augmenting the Storage
12.0 Capacity of Chennai City Water 100
Supply Resources
13.0 Externally Aided Projects 105
World Bank Assisted Tamil
13.1 Nadu Irrigated Agriculture 105
Modernization Project (TNIAMP)
Dam Rehabilitation and
13.2 Improvement Project-II (DRIP- 111
II)
National Hydrology Project
13.3 114
(NHP)
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Assisted Climate Change
13.4 117
Adaptation Programme in the
Cauvery Delta – Phase-II
14.0 Centrally Sponsored Schemes 120
iv
Sl. Page
Subject
No. No
Repair, Renovation and
Restoration (RRR) of water
14.1 bodies under Pradhan Mantri 120
Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
(PMKSY - HKKP)
15.0 River Conservation Project 124
Chennai Rivers Restoration
15.1 124
Works
Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery
15.2 127
Project
Ongoing Schemes (State Fund
16.0 130
and NABARD)
Creation of New Irrigation
16.1 130
Infrastructures
Rehabilitation of Irrigation
16.2 134
Infrastructure and systems
17.0 Flood Mitigation Works 141
18.0 Other activities 151
v
Sl. Page
Subject
No. No
Removal of Seemai Karuvel
18.1 (Prosopis juliflora) Trees in 151
water bodies
18.2 Free Issue of Vandal 153
18.3 Sand Quarry & Imported Sand 154
19.0 Organisational Arrangements 157
Activities of Functional Wings of
19.1 159
Water Resources Department
Activities of Special Wings of
19.2 178
Water Resources Department
Creation of Digital Data Base -
20.0 183
Pilot Schemes
Tamil Nadu Water Resources
20.1 Information and Management 183
System (TNWRIMS)
Tamil Nadu - Satellite Based
Water Bodies Information,
20.2 184
Monitoring and Protection
System (TN-SWIP)
20.3 Implementation of e-office 185
vi
Sl. Page
Subject
No. No
Schemes under Investigation /
21.0 187
Formulation
Formation of Reservoir across
Koraiyar River in V.K. Puram
21.1 187
Village of Ambasamudram
Taluk in Tirunelveli District
Formation of New Reservoir
Near Sikalapalli Vanioddu in
21.2 188
Hosur Taluk of Krishnagiri
District
Construction of Tail End
Structure across Kollidam River
to Arrest Sea Water intrusion at
Thirukazhipalai Village in
21.3 189
Chidambaram Taluk of
Cuddalore District and Alakudy
Village in Sirkali Taluk of
Mayiladuthurai District
Construction of Barrage cum
Dyke across River Kollidam at
Mathirivellur Village in Kollidam
21.4 Block of Mayiladuthurai District 190
and Nallamputhur Village in
Komaratchi Block of Cuddalore
District.
vii
Sl. Page
Subject
No. No
Construction of New Regulator
across the Northern and
Southern arms of the Kollidam
21.5 River on the downstream side 191
of the existing regulator at
Anaikarai (Lower Anicut) in
Ariyalur and Thanjavur Districts
Recharging Groundwater in
areas Surrounding Koraiyar and
Malattar by diverting the excess
21.6 flood water from Pennaiyar 193
River near Andrayanallur Village
in Thiruvennainallur Taluk of
Vilupuram District
Pumping the flood surplus
water of Pennaiyar River from
Eachambadi Anicut Constructed
across River Pennaiyar at
Eachambadi Village in
21.7 194
Karimangalam Taluk of
Dharmapuri District to feed
feasible Tanks and Ponds in the
Morapur, Pappireddipatti and
Harur Taluks.
viii
Sl. Page
Subject
No. No
Construction of a small dam
across Kalpadai River and a
small dam across Pottiyam
21.8 River to create additional water 196
storage on the upstream side of
Gomukhi Dam in Chinna Salem
Taluk of Kallakurichi District.
Feasibility study to feed
Pennaiyar River water by
pumping from Kodiyalam anicut
21.9 197
to the elevated tanks located in
Hosur Taluk of Krishnagiri
District.
Dhonimaduvu Irrigation
21.10 198
Scheme
Diversion of surplus water from
the River Cauvery to
Thathamapalyam Eri,
Aathupaalayam Anai, Velliyanai
21.11 199
Eri, Jagathambi kulam,
Upidamangalam Eri and
Veeraraakiyam Eri by pumping
in Karur District.
ix
Sl. Page
Subject
No. No
Diverting surplus flood water
from Thiruvengadanathapuram
Barrage by pumping system to
21.12 200
the Tanks in Manur and
Pallamadai areas in Tirunelveli
District.
Diversion of surplus flood water
from River Amaravathi to
21.13 201
Vattamalaikarai odai Reservoir
in Tiruppur District.
Increasing the Full Reservoir
Level (FRL) of Poondi
21.14 Sathyamoorthy Sagar Reservoir 202
by two feet to augment its
capacity.
Chennai City Water Supply
Augmentation and Flood
22.0 208
Mitigation Resilient to Climate
Change
x
“ பா பாய பா பா
பாய உ மைழ.”
எ வ வ வ கைள ெம
வைக ய வ உண
வள ஆதார கைள பா கா க ,
ேம ப த ம ெதா ப வச ட
ந னப த ெதாைலேநா பா ைவேயா
ட கைள உ வா வள ைற
ெசய ப ற .
WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
1.0. Introduction
1.1. Activities of the Water Resources
Department
“இ ைட ெப மைழ ெய தா ேதக
ைழயா ைள ெப வளî ர ப
மைழ ë தா டம னவ '' –
êல ப கார
The Tamil Poet Ilango Adigal has
mentioned the importance of water management
as “King, is the one who makes his Country
fertile by harvesting rainwater through the
formation of Lakes, Tanks etc., and puts them in
good use”.
In line with that, Water Resources
Department focuses on the activities for
effective management of Water Resources to
attain self-sufficiency in all water needs of Tamil
Nadu.
To meet the water demands of the
various sectors viz., Agriculture, Domestic,
Industries etc., Water Resources Department is
1
focusing in creation of new structures,
maintenance of existing water bodies and their
Infrastructure in a healthy status.
This Department is taking up
construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of
irrigation structures such as Dams, Anicuts,
Check Dams, Regulators, Barrages, Subsurface
Dykes, Canals, Channels and Tanks. This
department is also focussing on linking of Rivers
for augmentation of surface and subsurface
water effectively. In addition, artificial recharge
structures are being constructed to improve the
groundwater quantity and quality.
This Department also focus on flood
mitigation works to reduce the damages caused
to the public and their properties due to heavy
rainfall, especially in Chennai and sub-urban
areas.
This department is also taking effective
steps to maintain health of water bodies and
proper flow of water by eviction of
encroachments in water courses and water
bodies, in co-ordination with various
departments.
2
This department is taking necessary
action to restore the original storage capacity of
water bodies through desilting. By the above
interventions, management of the flood and
drought could be addressed.
1.2. Water Resources Potential
“வா உலக வழ வ தலா
தா அ த எ ணர பா ‘’ – ற
Surface Water Potential
There are 34 Rivers in the State which
have been grouped into 17 major River Basins
and 127 Sub-Basins. The normal rainfall in the
State is 973 mm. The total surface water
potential of the State is 865 T.M.Cft. which
includes 260 T.M.Cft. realised from the
neighbouring States through Inter-State
Agreements.
Ground Water Potential
Conservation and judicious management
of the Ground Water resources are the prime
need of the hour and also for the coming years
so as to make the State of Tamil Nadu to attain
self-sufficiency and sustainability in the Ground
3
Water Resources Sector. The quantity and
quality of the ground water are being
continuously monitored and assessed by the
Department. Based on the micro level Ground
Water Potential Assessment as on March
2020 with Revenue Firkas as a unit, totally
1,166 Firkas are categorized into 5 types:
435 Firkas as Over Exploited, 63 Firkas as
Critical, 225 Firkas as Semi-Critical, 409 Firkas
as Safe and 34 Firkas as Saline / Poor Quality.
Construction of structures such as Check
Dams, Bed Dams, Subsurface Dykes, Recharge
Shafts, Percolation Ponds etc., are being carried
out to protect, harness and improve the
available ground water potential of the State.
Ground Water Resources Assessment 2022
(GWRA) and its comparison with previous
assessments in Tamil Nadu
In the Dynamic Ground Water Resources
2022 Tamil Nadu report, published by the
Central Ground Water Board, it categorized
Ground Water Recharge Assessment Units
(Firka) in Tamil Nadu based on the ‘Stage of
Ground Water Extraction”.
4
GWRA
GWRA- GWRA- 2022
Sl.
Category vs.
No. 2020 2022
GWRA
2020
1. Safe 409 463 54
2. Semi- Critical 225 231 6
3. Critical 63 78 15
4. Over- Exploited 435 360 -75
5. Saline 34 34 -
6. Total Number of
1166 1166 -
AUs
This assessment shows that due to
various Ground water recharge measures taken
by the Government, number of safe firkas has
increased and over exploited firkas has
decreased. Critical and semi critical firkas have
been increased due to transition of over
exploited firkas towards safe.
1.3. Sustainable Development Goals
17 Sustainable Development Goals and
169 targets are part of the Sustainable
Development Goals-2030 Agenda, adopted by
5
193 Member States at the UN General Assembly
Summit.
This Department deals with a
fundamental and essential element of nature on
which life depends — Water. The sustainable
management of water is vital and is covered
under Goal 6 and 12 in Sustainable
Development Goals. The targets under this Goal
pertaining to the Water Resources Department
are as follows:-
Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially
increase water-use efficiency across all sectors
and ensure sustainable withdrawal and supply of
fresh water to address water scarcity and
substantially reduce the number of people
suffering from water scarcity.
Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore
water-related ecosystems, including mountains,
forests, wetlands, Rivers, aquifers and lakes.
Target 6.b: Support and strengthen the
participation of the local communities in
improving water and sanitation management.
6
Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the
sustainable management and efficiency of
natural resources.
With effective implementation of the
various schemes of the Department and taking a
new path towards more international
cooperation, the water bodies, wetlands,
aquifers, lakes and Rivers, which are precious
resources of water for future generation are
being protected and the State is stepping
forward to achieve the status of “Water stress
free State” in the country. The department
is also well on the path to accomplish the
2030 agenda of Sustainable Development Goals.
1.4. Tamil Nadu Water Resources
(Regulation and Management)
Authority Act
To control, regulate and manage the
Ground Water Resources in the State of Tamil
Nadu, the Government of Tamil Nadu enacted
the Tamil Nadu Ground Water (Development
and Management) Act, 2003 during March
2003. However, this Act was repealed on
7
14.09.2013 as there were practical issues in its
implementation.
After deliberate discussion, it was decided
to formulate an authority for management and
regulation of both Ground and Surface Water
and for Reuse of Water. Accordingly, the State
Planning Commission is preparing Tamil Nadu
Water Resources (Regulation and Management)
Authority Act,
1.5. Tamil Nadu State Water Policy
Sustainable Development Goal 6 is to
ensure access to water and sanitation for all.
Clean and good quality water is one of the
greatest challenges of 21st century.
The objective of the Tamil Nadu State
Water Policy is to understand the present
scenario, its challenges and to propose a water
policy to address the State specific concerns and
challenges.
The Tamil Nadu State Water Policy
focuses on assuring right of access to sufficient
quantity of water for all, encourage productivity
and efficient use of water in economic aspect
8
and the same time to sustain all life and
enhance water governance in the areas of
access, utilization and management of water
resources.
This policy is inclusive of all departments
involved in harnessing and distributing water as
well as in regulating water pollution, local
bodies, stakeholders and citizens of the state,
their issues and strategies for addressing those
issues.
The sustainable strategies of the water
policy are Sustainable Sectoral allocation,
Engagement of Stake holders, Establishment of
Tamil Nadu water resource regulatory authority
& policy research center, Water resource
planning, Integrated Water Resource
management (IWRM), Integrated water
management plan (IWMP), structural
governance reforms in water resource
management which includes shift from
fragmented water management to integrated &
conjunctive management of surface water,
groundwater, reuse of waste water and other
conventional water resources, Demand side
9
water management , ensuring water quality and
quantity, water use efficiency and productivity in
agriculture, protection management and
restoration of all water ecosystems etc.
The State Planning Commission and
Water Resources Department after interaction
with stakeholders are in the process of evolving
Tamil Nadu State Water Policy.
1.6. Jal Shakti Abhiyan
National Water Mission, Ministry of Jal
Shakti launched a campaign “Catch the rain,
where it falls, when it falls” on 22nd March
2021 on the World Water Day to urge the states
and all stakeholders to create Rain Water
Harvesting Structures (RWHS) suitable to the
climatic conditions and sub-soil strata, with
people’s active participation. Nation-wide
campaign has been taken up focusing on saving
and conserving rainwater covering both urban
and rural areas of all the districts in the country.
From 29th March 2022, Water Resources
Department was made Nodal Agency for Jal
Shakti Abhiyan.
10
Under Jal Shakti Abhiyan, targeted
activities were taken up under 5 key areas of
Interventions which were Water Conservation &
Rainwater Harvesting, Renovation of traditional
& other water bodies, Reuse and Recharge
structures, Watershed Development and
Intensive Afforestation. The above focused
interventions of the campaign will also include
Enumerating, Geo-tagging and specific
improvements of all water bodies, Preparation of
scientific plans for water conservation based on
the above mentioned areas & Setting up of Jal
Shakti Kendras for massive Awareness
generation.
The stakeholder departments apart from
WRD are as follows:
1) Rural Development & Panchayat Raj
Department
2) Municipal Administrative & Water
Supply Department
3) Revenue & Disaster Management
Department
11
4) Agriculture - Farmers Welfare
Department
5) Environment, Climate Change &
Forest Department
6) Public Works Department
7) School Education Department
8) Higher Education Department
9) Industries, Investment Promotion
and Commerce Department
10) Youth Welfare and Sports
Development Department
Under this campaign, Government of
India decided to provide a financial assistance of
up to Rs.2.00 Lakhs to each district to meet part
of the expenditure incurred for GIS Mapping of
water bodies and preparation of scientific water
conservation plans. National Water Mission
has released first instalment of Rs.1.00 lakh to
34 Districts of Tamil Nadu (Except Chennai,
Madurai, Mayiladuthurai and Pudukkottai)
Second instalment of another
Rs.1.00 lakh was received for the 31 Districts
out of 34 Districts (except Thanjavur,
12
Thiruvallur, Vilupuram) after furnishing
utilisation certificate by the State Nodal officer to
Government of India.
The activities under 5 interventions are
being carried out through Convergence of funds
from PMKSY - Per Drop More Crop, TNIAMP,
State Government Fund, NABARD, SuWaSeM,
Watershed Development Fund, Special Area
Development Project (SADP), Dryland
Development Mission etc. MGNREGS, 15th FC,
CAMPA, CFC, SCPAR, General Fund of Panchayat
/ Panchayat Union, Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR), Tamil Nadu Mission for
Sustainable Green cover in Farm Lands
(TNMSGCF), Kalaignarin All Village Integrated
Agricultural Development Programme,
Kalaignarin Nagarpura Mempattu Thittam & Atal
Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
Transformation - 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0), Tamil Nadu
Wage Employment scheme, Namakku Naame
Thittam, NADP, PMMSY.
160 No. of Jal Shakti Kendras were
formed in all the 38 Districts up to Taluk level
and functioning as ‘Knowledge Centre’ for
13
disseminating information related to water
conservation techniques and to provide technical
guidance to people. The details of the scheme
are available in the Government of India Jal
Shakti web portal www.jsactr.mowr.gov.in.
Hon’ble President of India launched “Jal
Shakti Abhiyan-2023” with the theme ‘Source
Sustainability for Drinking Water’ in the Country.
The Campaign will be implemented from
04.03.2023 to 30.11.2023.
The Water Resources Department is the
State Nodal Department for implementation of
the activities of the Campaign.
The focused interventions of the
JSA:CTR-2022 include consolidation of activities
i.e. (1) water conservation and rainwater
harvesting; (2) enumerating, geo-tagging &
making inventory of all water bodies;
preparation of scientific plans for water
conservation based on it (3) setting up of Jal
Shakti Kendras in all districts (4) intensive
afforestation and (5) awareness generation.
14
The salient features of Jal Shakti Abhiyan,
2023 according to National Water Mission are as
follows:-
(i) Source Sustainability for Drinking
Water
(ii) JalShapaths
(iii) Amrit Sarovar
(iv) Spring shed Development
(v) Awarness generation by Nehru Yuva
Kendra Sangathan (NYKS).
(vi) Intensive Information, Education and
Communication (IEC) activities.
(vii) Promotion of Azadika Amrit
Mahotsav.
(viii) Protection of Water Catchment
Areas.
The plan of Action for implementing the
JSA-2023 in the District has been discussed
during the Chief Secretary's meeting on
14.03.2023.
15
2.0. Inter - State Water Issues
2.1. Cauvery Water Issue
Under Section 5(2) of the Inter-State
River Water Disputes Act, 1956, the Cauvery
Water Disputes Tribunal delivered its Final Order
on 05.02.2007.
After hearing the Appeals filed by States
of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu against
the Final Order of the Tribunal, the Supreme
Court delivered its Judgment on 16.2.2018 with
the allocation of water as detailed below:-
(in T.M.Cft.)
Karnataka 284.75
Tamil Nadu 404.25
Kerala 30
Pondicherry 7
Environmental Protection 10
Inevitable escapages into sea 4
Total 740
16
As a consequence of the aforesaid
allocation, the Government of Karnataka would
be required to make available 177.25 T.M.Cft. of
water to Tamil Nadu at the Inter-State border at
Billigundulu. Apart from the modifications
effected herein above, no interference has been
made with the determination recorded by the
Tribunal.
As per the Judgments of the Supreme
Court dated 16.02.2018 and 18.05.2018, Union
Government constituted the “Cauvery Water
Management Scheme, 2018” consisting of
Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)
and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee
(CWRC) and notified it in its Gazette on
01.06.2018.
The Government of Tamil Nadu has
nominated the Principal Secretary, Public Works
(now Water Resources) Department as the
Member of Tamil Nadu in the Cauvery Water
Management Authority and the Chief Engineer,
Water Resources Department, Tiruchirappalli
Region as Member of Tamil Nadu in the Cauvery
Water Regulation Committee. So far, the
17
Cauvery Water Management Authority held
19 meetings and the Cauvery Water Regulation
Committee held 76 meetings. The last meeting
of CWRC was held on 24.02.2023 and CWMA
was held on 10.02.2023. In the CWMA and
CWRC meetings, the views of Government of
Tamil Nadu on issues such as, getting stipulated
flows due to Tamil Nadu as per the Orders of the
Tribunal and as modified by the Hon’ble
Supreme Court Judgment; and opposing
discussion on Mekedatu Project proposed by
Karnataka were strongly placed to safeguard the
interest of Farmers in the Cauvery basin.
As per the Orders of the Hon’ble Chief
Minister, in the irrigation year 2022-2023, the
Mettur dam was opened for irrigation in
advance, on 24.05.2022, considering the
carryover storage and good monsoon forecast.
In this year, the rainfall in the entire
Cauvery basin was excess in both monsoon
seasons. As a rare occurrence, the water level
was maintained at FRL 120 ft, for 125 days in
total (from 01.06.2022 to 12.01.2023), and
18
continuously for 69 days from 17th July 2022 to
23rd September, 2022.
The flood flows received from the
Cauvery basin of Karnataka have been regulated
appropriately minimizing the flood damages.
Water release for irrigation was stopped on 28th
January, 2023 as the irrigation season has come
to a close.
Action taken by Tamil Nadu to prevent
Government of Karnataka on its proposal to
construct a Dam at Mekedatu
Tamil Nadu is continuously conveying its
strong objections to Karnataka and the Union of
India on the proposal of constructing a reservoir
at Mekedatu across Cauvery from the time,
when Karnataka submitted feasibility report
of the Mekedatu project, with a capacity of
67.16 T.M.Cft., unilaterally. However, the
Central Water Commission on 22.11.2018
granted permission to Karnataka for preparation
of Detailed Poject Report (DPR). Hence, Tamil
Nadu on 30.11.2018 filed a Miscellaneous
Application in the Hon’ble Supreme Court to
restrain Karnataka from preparation of DPR. A
19
Contempt Petition was also filed by Tamil Nadu
on 05.12.2018 against the officials concerned.
The above cases are pending before the Hon’ble
Supreme Court.
Despite Tamil Nadu’s objections,
Karnataka approached the Ministry of
Environment, Forest & Climate Change for the
approval of Terms of Reference (ToR) for
Environment Impact Assessment / Environment
Management Plan (EIA/EMP) studies. Based on
the objections of Tamil Nadu, MoEF & CC has
informed Karnataka to get the consensus of
Tamil Nadu. Further, based on the strong
objections raised by the Tamil Nadu member in
the Cauvery Water Management Authority
meetings to defer discussion of the project, as
the matter is sub judice, it was not taken up.
In the meanwhile, the National Green
Tribunal (Southern Zone) suo moto took up the
issue of construction at Mekedatu Project site
based on newspaper report and ordered on
21.05.2021 to constitute a Committee to check
on any construction activity without obtaining
necessary clearance, which was disposed off by
the National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench New
20
Delhi on 17.6.2021, citing that the matter is sub
judice. Since Tamil Nadu was not given an
opportunity to file its reply, Tamil Nadu filed a
Civil Appeal (C.A.No.5608 of 2021) against the
above order in the Hon’ble Supreme Court on
11.08.2021. This case is pending.
Further, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of
Tamil Nadu and the Hon’ble Minister for Water
Resources presented memoranda to the Hon’ble
Prime Minister on 17.06.2021 and the Hon’ble
Union Minister of Jal Shakti on 06.07.2021,
respectively, and requested not to give
permission to the proposed Mekedatu reservoir
project of Karnataka. A delegation of Leaders of
all Legislative Parties of Tamil Nadu headed by
the Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources also
met the Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti on
16.7.2021 and urged the Union Government not
to accord any clearance to the Mekedatu Project
of Karnataka without the concurrence of co-
basin States.
When it was learnt that Karnataka had
approached the Ministry of Environment, Forest
& Climate Change for the approval of ToR for
EIA/EMP studies, Tamil Nadu filed another
21
Miscellaneous Application with additional
documents in the Hon’ble Supreme Court on
27.08.2021, praying to direct CWC to reject the
DPR for the proposed Mekedatu Project. This
case is also pending.
In the meanwhile, it was learnt that
Karnataka has allocated Rs.1000 Crore in its
budget for the year 2022-2023, for the
Mekedatu Project. Tamil Nadu Legislative
Assembly, on 21.03.2022, strongly condemned
this action of Karnataka and unanimously passed
resolutions urging the Union Government and
the Cauvery Water Management Authority not to
accord any clearance to Mekedatu project. This
resolution was forwarded to the Ministry of Jal
Shakti on 24.03.2022.
Subsequently, in the Memoranda
presented by the Hon’ble Chief Minister to the
Hon’ble Prime Minister on 31.03.2022 and on
26.05.2022 it was inter alia requested to instruct
the Ministry of Jal Shakti not to give permission
to the proposed Mekedatu Project of Karnataka.
As decided in the 15th CWMA meeting
held on 11.02.2022, the CWMA sought the legal
opinion from the Solicitor General on the power
22
of CWMA to examine new projects. The Solicitor
General opined that the CWMA has wide powers
and the Authority can take up Mekedatu Project
for discussion. Following this, the Authority
included the item for discussion in the Agenda
for its 16th meeting held on 17.06.2022. Tamil
Nadu requested the Chairman, CWMA to omit
the item from the Agenda in letters dated
04.06.2022 and 09.06.2022.
Further, Tamil Nadu on 07.06.2022 has
filed two Applications (I.A.Nos. 84197 & 84201
in M.A. No. 3127 of 2018), praying to implead
CWMA as a party and praying to restrain CWMA
from deliberating / passing any order or
direction in regard to the DPR for the proposed
Mekedatu Project pending disposal of the
Applications already filed by Tamil Nadu. These
Applications are also pending to be decided.
In this regard, the Hon’ble Chief Minister
wrote a letter to the Hon’ble Prime Minister on
13.06.2022 emphasizing that the CWMA was
formed only to implement the Final Award of the
Tribunal as modified by the Hon’ble Supreme
Court and requesting to instruct the Ministry of
Jal Shakti to direct the CWMA not to take up
23
Mekedatu Project for discussion, as it is in
violation of the Judgment of the Supreme Court.
Further, as per the orders of the Hon’ble Chief
Minister, a delegation of leaders of all Legislative
Parties, led by the Hon’ble Minister for Water
Resources met the Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal
Shakti on 22.06.2022 and urged to advise the
CWMA not to take up Mekedatu DPR for
discussion.
Karnataka filed its Reply Affidavits to the
Applications filed by Tamil Nadu with respect to
the powers of CWMA, on 18.07.2022 and
19.07.2022, Sur Rejoinder on 08.08.2022.
CWMA filed its Affidavit on 07.09.2022. Tamil
Nadu filed its Rejoinder/Response on
23.07.2022, 11.11.2022 and on 22.11.2022.
In the meanwhile, when the CWMA in its
17th meeting held on 14.10.2022 decided to
include discussion on Mekedatu Project in its
18th meeting, the Hon’ble Minister for Water
Resources in his letter dated 29.10.2022 urged
the Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti to omit
the item from the Agenda. The same was
reiterated in Tamil Nadu’s letter dated
02.11.2022. Due to the relentless efforts taken
24
by Tamil Nadu, the CWMA in its 18th meeting
held on 02.12.2022 and in 19th meeting held on
10.02.2023 decided to defer discussion on
Mekedatu Project.
The Government of Tamil Nadu is taking
all necessary action including legal action to
prevent Karnataka from constructing a Dam at
Mekedatu or any other place, in the Cauvery
basin of Karnataka, in violation of the Final
Order of the Tribunal and the Judgment of the
Supreme Court and to safeguard the rights of
Tamil Nadu.
Suit filed by Karnataka in the Hon’ble
Supreme Court against Mettur-Sarabanga
LIS, Cauvery – Vaigai – Gundar Link Project
& ERM/Modernisation Projects taken up by
Government of Tamil Nadu in Cauvery Basin
The State of Karnataka filed an Original
Suit (O.S.No. 3 of 2021) along with an I.A. in
the Supreme Court on 19.07.2021 seeking
exclusive right to use surplus waters generated
in the Cauvery basin upto Inter State border
Billigundulu, over and above 483 T.M.Cft. and
also seeking to restrain Tamil Nadu from
25
executing Mettur Sarabanga Lift Irrigation
Scheme, Cauvery-South Vellar link (first phase
of Cauvery-Gundar link), construction of check
dams, dykes and anicuts, barrages across
Cauvery and Kollidam, and Extension,
Renovation and Modernization (ERM) of
4 systems, namely, Kattalai High Level Canal
System, Rajavoikkal Irrigation System, Noyyal
River System and Grand Anicut Canal System
in Cauvery basin.
Tamil Nadu has filed its Written
Statement and Reply to the I.A. on
03.01.2022, replying, inter alia, that these
projects are either for modernising the
irrigation systems or for increasing the
efficiency of the systems, or for better
commandability or for flood management and
none of these projects involve development of
any new ayacut in Cauvery basin of Tamil
Nadu. Karnataka filed its Replication to the
Written Statement of Tamil Nadu in
September, 2022. In the meanwhile, Union
Territory of Pudcherry in its Written Statement
filed on 21.07.2022 has prayed to dismiss the
26
Suit. Union of India too filed its Counter
Affidavit on 17.11.2022 praying that
Karnataka’s prayer is not liable to be granted
and the Suit deserves to be dismissed. The
State of Kerala is yet to file its Written
Statement. This matter is expected to be taken
up for hearing after the filing of counter/reply
by all the Defendants.
Return of non-consumptive use of water
drawn for Bangalore water supply sought
as per the Judgment of the Supreme Court
The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal
(CWDT) considered drinking water requirement
of in-basin population only and allocated
20% of the drinking water drawal as
consumptive use. However, the Supreme Court
has considered the drinking water requirement
of the entire Bangalore city, two-third of which
lies outside Cauvery basin and made an
additional allocation of 4.75 T.M.Cft. as
consumptive use to Karnataka. Thus, the
balance 80% of the drinking water drawal, that
is, non consumptive use, should be returned to
27
the Cauvery river system as regenerated flows
after necessary treatment.
Karnataka has not ensured return flows
after treatment from the Cauvery waters being
supplied in the two-third of Bangalore city,
which falls outside Cauvery basin. On the
contrary, Karnataka contends that the return
flows/non-consumptive use of waters belongs
to it. This issue was raised before the Cauvery
Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the
Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC)
on various occasions. However, the CWMA has
not issued any direction to the State of
Karnataka for ensuring compliance of the
decision of Supreme Court or monitor the
actual quantum of return flows or its quantity.
Hence, the Government of Tamil Nadu has filed
a Miscellaneous Application before the
Supreme Court on 30.01.2023, praying inter
alia to direct Karnataka to ensure that 80% of
the flows drawn from Cauvery river and its
tributaries for drinking water supply of
Bangalore city as regenerated flows from
domestic use is returned after treating the
said water, to the Cauvery River system, and
CWMA to monitor the quality and quantity of
28
non-consumptive use of drinking water drawn
for Bangalore Water Supply returned to
Cauvery basin.
Sewage let into Cauvery and Pennaiyar by
Karnataka
In view of huge damage and suffering
likely to be caused to Tamil Nadu and its
inhabitants because of letting in sewage and
industrial effluents from Bengaluru city and its
surroundings in Cauvery and Pennaiyar rivers by
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu filed an Original Suit
(O.S. No. 2 of 2015) in the Supreme Court in
the year 2015. According to the data available in
the Final Report submitted by the Central
Pollution Control Board to the Supreme Court, it
is confirmed that due to letting of sewage by
Karnataka in the Cauvery and Pennaiyar, these
two rivers are polluted. The case is pending in
the Supreme Court.
In the meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Pollution
Control Board is collecting water samples from
Cauvery and Pennaiyar rivers near the inter-
State boundary between Karnataka and Tamil
Nadu to monitor water quality. Similarly, the
29
Central Water Commission is also collecting
samples and monitoring the water quality of
Cauvery River at Billigundulu.
Suit filed by Tamil Nadu in the Supreme
Court against Karnataka claiming
compensation for non-release of water due
to Tamil Nadu in 2012-2013.
During the irrigation season 2012-2013,
the flows due to Tamil Nadu, as per the Interim
Order dated 25.06.1991 of CWDT, were not
released by Karnataka. Hence, the State of
Tamil Nadu filed a Suit (O.S.No.4/2013) against
Karnataka in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of
India, claiming damages for the losses caused
by Karnataka, to Tamil Nadu due to shortfall in
release of stipulated quantity of water,
computed as per the pro rata formula, based on
the Interim Order of the Tribunal, seeking
directions to Karnataka to pay damages of a
sum of about Rs.1045.70 crore towards loss of
crops, loss of bio mass and loss of power
generation, and to pay punitive damages of
Rs.1434 crore for deliberate non-compliance of
the decision passed by the Tribunal. Cross
30
examination of the 3 witnesses of Tamil Nadu,
was over on 28.09.2018. Cross examination of
first witness of Karnataka was completed on
30.04.2019. After the cross examination of
second witness of Karnataka, the Suit will be
taken up for final arguments.
2.2. Mullai Periyar Dam
The Periyar Project was executed by
virtue of the Lease Deed signed between the
Maharaja of Travancore and the Madras
Presidency on 29.10.1886. This deed is valid for
999 years with effect from 01.01.1886. About
8,000 acres have been leased for this project.
About 2.20 Lakh acres of ayacut area are
benefited by this Project in Districts of Theni,
Dindigul, Madurai, Sivagangai and
Ramanathapuram and in a year on an average
22 T.M.Cft. of water is diverted. Apprehensions
were raised about the safety of this Dam by
certain people of Kerala in the year 1979,
though the dam was safe. However, in order to
bring the Dam to modern standards, the Central
Water Commission suggested certain remedial
measures after which the water level could
31
initially be raised to 145 ft. which was not
accepted by Kerala. Since the Government of
Kerala held the view that the water level in the
Dam should be kept at 136 ft. at all times even
after strengthening, the issue went to the
Hon’ble Supreme Court.
In the Writ Petitions filed, the Hon’ble
Supreme Court pronounced its Judgment on
27.02.2006, which permitted the Government of
Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 ft.
However, the Government of Kerala amended its
Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act,
2003, to thwart the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s
Order and fixed the FRL of Mullai Periyar Dam as
136 ft. In the Suit (O.S.No.3 of 2006) filed by
Government of Tamil Nadu against the amended
Act of Kerala, the Hon’ble Supreme Court
delivered its Judgment on 07.05.2014 and
affirmed the Judgment of 2006 and categorically
stated that the dam is Hydrologically,
Structurally and Seismically safe. Further,
Supreme Court held that the amended Act of
Kerala is unconstitutional in so far as Mullai
Periyar Dam is concerned. The Court also
32
permitted Tamil Nadu to raise the Water level of
Mullai Periyar Dam upto 142 ft. and to carry out
balance strengthening works, so as to enable
Tamil Nadu to restore the FRL + 152 ft. The
Hon’ble Supreme Court also stated that the New
Dam proposal of Kerala cannot be thrusted upon
Tamil Nadu. It also ordered to constitute a
Supervisory Committee to periodically inspect
the dam to allay the apprehensions of Kerala,
though none exists.
Water level in the Mullai Periyar Dam
reached 142 ft. on 21.11.2014, after 35 years,
and thereafter on 07.12.2015 and 15.08.2018.
Further, after the implementation of the Rule
Curve as finalized by CWC, the water level
reached (+) 142 ft. on 30.11.2021 for the 4th
time, since 2014, and remained at that level for
18 days, since then and the Dam was found to
be safe. For the 5th time, the water level
reached +142 ft. on 27.12.2022 and the dam is
safe in all respects.
Based on the Order of the Supreme Court
dated 08.04.2022 in W.P.No: 880 of 2020 (filed
by Dr. Joe Joseph & 2 other individuals of
33
Kerala), the Supervisory Committee was
reconstituted with additional two Technical
Members, one each from the State of Tamil
Nadu and Kerala. So far, 15 meetings & one
Interim meeting of the Supervisory Committee
were held.
Special Repair works
Grouting the dam and treating the
upstream face of the Main dam has been
recommended by the Empowered Committee
(2010-2012) and ordered to be carried out by
Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order dated
07.05.2014. Suitable specifications have been
obtained from Central Soil and Materials
Research Station (CSMRS), Delhi and
concurrence obtained from Central Water
Commission (CWC). Government of Tamil Nadu
has issued an Administrative Sanction for an
amount of Rs.9.81 crore for this work on
21.11.2019. However, the works could not be
carried out so far, as the State of Kerala has not
granted permission, in spite of several requests,
since February, 2020 to convey the material and
machinery through the forest road for this work.
34
On 28.07.2021 Director, Central Water
Commission addressed Additional Chief
Secretary of Kerala and requested to get
necessary permission from the authority
concerned. On receipt of permission, further
work would be taken up. In Additional Affidavit
(I.A No:154780/2021) filed on 27.11.2021 in
Hon’ble Supreme Court, in Execution Petition
(I.A No 28 of 2017), it was prayed to direct the
State of Kerala to permit to convey the materials
and machinery for grouting work at the Main
Dam. Further, repairs to the natural Earth
mound, on the left of Spillway of Mullai Periyar
dam, for which Rs.9.00 Crore has been
sanctioned by the Government of Tamil Nadu on
04.01.2021, also could not be taken up so far,
due to the obstructionist attitude of Kerala. In
the I.A No: 174262 of 2022 in W.P No: 880 of
2020 filed by Tamil Nadu on 14.11.2022 in the
Supreme Court, on the above issues, it has been
prayed to direct the State of Kerala and its
instrumentalities to give necessary permission to
Tamil Nadu to convey materials and machinery
to the Dam site through Vallakadavu – Mullai
Periyar dam site Ghat road. Kerala is being
35
pursued to offer its permission to convey
materials through forest road. All measures are
being taken to undertake this work.
Subsequent to the Interim meeting of the
Supervisory Committee held on 18.08.2022, the
Chairman, Supervisory Committee, vide, letter
dated 22.08.2022 addressed the Chief
Secretaries of both the States (Tamil Nadu &
Kerala) and requested to resolve the long
pending issues, namely felling 15 trees, carrying
out the balance strengthening measures, repair
and maintenance works in the interest of both
the States. The Chief Secretary and the
Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources
Department addressed their counterparts in
Kerala, vide, letters dated 25.08.2022 &
20.10.2022.
In continuation to that, an Inter State
meeting at the Chief Secretary level was held at
Chennai on 12.12.2022, wherein the Chief
Secretary, Government of Kerala stated that he
would consider our request and respond early.
The Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu
addressed his counterpart in Kerala on
36
23.12.2022 and requested to arrange to issue
necessary permission early to commence the
work of the long pending issues without further
lapse of time. Reply from Kerala is awaited.
Further, as suggested by CWC, for
installing Seismograph and Accelerographs
in the dam site, sanction for a sum of
Rs.99.95 lakhs has been issued by Government
of Tamil Nadu on 30.06.2020. Seismic
instruments will be installed by National
Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI),
Hyderabad. Work for Installation of the
instruments is in progress and the instruments
will be installed early.
Balance strengthening works to be
undertaken to raise the water level to the
Full Reservoir Level (FRL) +152 ft.
For raising the water level to its FRL of
152 ft, Central Water Commission and Expert
Committee (EC) (constituted in the year 2000)
have recommended to carry out balance
strengthening works namely, strengthening the
Baby dam and Earth dam. Hon’ble Supreme
Court in its Order dated 27.02.2006 has also
37
directed to carry them out. Empowered
Committee (constituted in the year 2010)
reiterated above recommendation of Central
Water Commission and Expert Committee and
Supreme Court in its Order dated 07.05.2014
reiterated its order dated 27.02.2006. The
Government of Tamil Nadu has accorded
Administrative Sanction for an amount of
Rs.7.85 crore. In order to strengthen the Baby
Dam, 23 trees (now 15) have to be felled down.
The works which did not require clearances have
been completed.
Though sustained efforts have been taken
to obtain necessary clearances to cut these
trees, due to the obstructionist attitude of Kerala
State, it is getting delayed. In the Memorandum
presented by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil
Nadu to the Hon’ble Prime Minister on
17.06.2021, it was requested to instruct Ministry
of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to
advise Government of Kerala not to delay in
giving the required clearances to cut the trees.
In the Memorandum presented to Hon’ble Union
Minister of Jal Shakti by Hon’ble Minister of
Water Resources, on 06.07.2021, Ministry of Jal
38
Shakti, Union Government was requested to
advise State of Kerala to immediately give
permission to cut the 23 trees (Now 15 Nos.)
and repair the Ghat road by Kerala for which
Tamil Nadu is willing to bear the cost or to give
its concurrence to carry out the repair by Tamil
Nadu.
Following the Inter-state meeting held on
17.09.2021 through video conferencing at
Additional Chief Secretary level, the Deputy
Director, Project Tiger, Thekkady, vide letter
dated 06.11.2021 conveyed that the Principal
Chief Conservator of Forest and Wild Life, Kerala
granted permission for felling 15 numbers of
trees. However, the Forest and Wildlife
Department of Government of Kerala issued a
Government Order vide G.O. Ms. No.23 / 2021 /
F&WLD Dated 11.11.2021 cancelling the orders
issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of
Forests and Wild Life, Kerala. Thereafter, in the
Execution Petition (I.A.No 28 of 2017), an
Additional Affidavit (I.A No: 154780 / 2021) was
filed by Tamil Nadu in Hon’ble Supreme Court on
27.11.2021, praying to direct the State of Kerala
to restore the permission granted for felling of
39
trees and permit the completion of
strengthening works by Tamil Nadu, among
others. In the I.A No: 174262 of 2022 in W.P
No: 880 of 2020 filed by Tamil Nadu on
14.11.2022, among others, it has been prayed
to direct the State of Kerala to restore the
permission to cut 15 trees, to carry out the
strengthening of the Baby Dam, which was
granted on 05.11.2021 and arbitrarily withdrawn
subsequently on 11.11.2021. These are pending
in Supreme Court.
In the meanwhile, the Joint Secretary,
Ministry of Jal Shakti, Union Government, vide
letter dated 08.11.2021 addressed State of
Kerala and requested Kerala to allow the
necessary strengthening works of the dam (baby
dam and earthen dam), as proposed by
Government of Tamil Nadu. The State of Kerala
in its reply dated 16.09.2022, informed the
Ministry, that Kerala and its instrumentalities
never obstructed Tamil Nadu in carrying out
the strengthening works to Mullai Periyar Dam.
Tamil Nadu in its reply dated 20.10.2022
brought to the notice of the Ministry of Jal
Shakti, the consistent obstructionist attitude of
40
Kerala, citing the salient chronological events in
respect of all the issues and requested to urge
the Chief Secretary of the Government of Kerala
to take necessary action immediately, so that
the Orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court could
be implemented by Tamil Nadu.
Further to the Inter State meeting at the
Chief Secretary level held at Chennai on
12.12.2022, the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu
addressed the Chief Secretary of Kerala on
23.12.2022 to arrange to give permission to the
long pending issues and reminded again on
22.02.2023. The Additional Chief Secretary,
Water Resources Department, Tamil Nadu
addressed the Additional Chief Secretary, Kerala
on 22.12.2022 requesting for a mutually
convenient date, on which a meeting either
physically or virtually may be held, to settle the
issue of felling of 15 trees existing in the
downstream of Baby dam. A reminder in this
regard was also sent on 20.01.2023. The Deputy
Director, Central Water Commission, in letter
dated 09.03.2023 addressed to the Chief
Engineer, ISW, Kerala requested to facilitate
clearances to Government of Tamil Nadu for
41
conveying the construction materials for carrying
out the balance strengthening works of Mullai
Periyar Dam and repair of Ghat road. Reply from
Kerala is awaited.
On receipt of clearances, immediately the
work would be undertaken. Continuous efforts
are taken to obtain Forest Clearance from the
Union Government. In the meanwhile, on
03.03.2022, the Hon’ble Minister for Water
Resources, Tamil Nadu addressed the Hon’ble
Minister for Water Resources, Kerala to revoke
the G.O. on cancelling the tree cutting.
Thus Government is taking all efforts
to complete the balance strengthening works, so
as to restore the water level to original FRL
+152 ft., thereby to protect the rights of Tamil
Nadu and to protect the interests of farmers
depending upon the waters of Mullai Periyar
Dam.
Construction of a Mega Car Park in the
water spread area of Mullai Periyar Dam
by the Government of Kerala.
The proposal of the State of Kerala for
construction of a Mega Car Park Complex in
water spread area of Mullai Periyar Dam, the
42
National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone), in its
Judgment dated 15.11.2017, ordered that since
National Tiger Conservation Authority has
granted permission, approval under the Forest
Conservation Act is not necessary. Against this
Judgment, Government of Tamil Nadu has filed
Civil Appeals in Supreme Court. Supreme Court
on 04.12.2017 has ordered that no permanent
construction should be carried out by
Government of Kerala. As Government of Kerala
has undertaken construction works of permanent
nature, Government of Tamil Nadu on
08.05.2019 filed a Contempt Petition against the
concerned officers of Kerala in Supreme Court.
These matters are pending before Supreme
Court.
Apart from this, Government of Tamil
Nadu on 26.09.2014 has filed a Civil Suit in
Supreme Court against the proposal of
Government of Kerala to construct a Mega Car
Park and to remove the encroachments in the
leased area. This case is also pending in
Supreme Court.
Thus Government is taking the needed
efforts to protect the rights of Tamil Nadu.
43
2.3. Palar River Water Issue
The River Palar which is one of the Inter-
State rivers, originates in Kolar District in
Karnataka, traverses through Andhra Pradesh
via Chittoor District and runs through Vellore,
Ranipet, Thiruvannamalai, Kancheepuram and
Chengalpattu Districts in Tamil Nadu, before
confluencing into the Bay of Bengal.
The States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu are bound by the Inter State –
Madras – Mysore, 1892 Agreement. As per
Schedule - A of the Agreement, Palar falls under
the list of 15 important Inter - State Rivers.
When the Government of Andhra Pradesh
proposed to construct a reservoir with a capacity
of 0.6 T.M.C. ft. across Palar at Ganesapuram in
Kuppam Taluk in Chittoor District, in violation of
the Madras-Mysore Agreement of the year 1892,
the Government of Tamil Nadu in the year 2006,
filed a Suit in the Supreme Court praying to stop
the execution of the said project by Andhra
Pradesh.
44
Cross-examination of Tamil Nadu
witnesses of the Parties were also completed by
May 2018. The case is pending in the Supreme
Court.
When the Government of Andhra Pradesh
started to increase the height of check dams, to
repair the existing check dams and to construct
new check dams across Palar River at several
places in Chittoor District, Government of Tamil
Nadu filed another Suit in the year 2016 in the
Supreme Court. The Government of Tamil Nadu
has also filed Interlocutory Applications (I.A) in
the Supreme Court in the years 2017, 2018 and
2019, to restore height of the existing check
dams to its original level and to allow natural
flow due to Tamil Nadu. This matter is also
pending in the Supreme Court.
Government of Tamil Nadu is taking all
necessary steps to protect drinking water needs
and irrigation needs of farmers of Vellore,
Ranipet, Thiruvannamalai, Kancheepuram and
Chengalpattu districts who depend on the waters
of the Palar river.
45
2.4. Parambikulam Aliyar Project –
Review of Agreement
Parambikulam Aliyar Project, was
planned, designed and executed by Government
of Tamil Nadu as one of the Second Five Year
Plan Projects (1956 - 1961), with the consent
and co-operation of Government of Kerala for
sharing mutual benefits through the utilization of
flows in the west flowing Rivers of Anamalayar,
Nirar, Sholayar, Parambikulam and its tributaries
Peruvaripallam, Thunakadavu and the Palar and
Aliyar flowing in the plains and the streams
flowing into them, for generation of Hydro
Electric Power, irrigation, drinking water supply,
industrial use and other purposes. An Agreement
between Governments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu
was entered into on 29.5.1970 with
retrospective effect from 09.11.1958. Taluks of
Pollachi, Palladam, Udumalaipettai and
Dharapuram in the Districts of Coimbatore and
Tiruppur are benefitted. Palakkad and Trichur
Districts of Kerala State are also benefited. This
Agreement was due for review on 09.11.1988
and thereafter once in 30 years. For this, both
46
Governments exchanged documents and also
exchanged their respective views.
For the review of the Agreement, so far
27 Meetings at various levels were held between
Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In the last Inter State
meeting held through Video Conferencing on
17.9.2021, all the issues related to
Parambikulam - Aliyar Project including
Anamalayar Project and Nirar-Nallar Project
were discussed, which are briefed as below:
Diversion of 2.5 T.M.Cft. of water from
Anamalayar to Tamil Nadu & Nirar-Nallar
Multipurpose Straight Cut Scheme
There is a provision to divert 2.5 T.M.Cft.
of water from Anamalayar, in the Original
Agreement. Contending that its Idamalayar
Project has not been completed, Kerala has not
yet given consent for the above diversion. A
Supplementary Agreement will suffice for this
purpose. However, after discussion in the Inter-
State meetings held on 12.12.2019 at Chennai,
11.09.2020 at Thiruvananthapuram and through
Video Conferencing on 17.9.2021, Kerala has
expressed its willingness to consider the
47
proposal of Tamil Nadu for constructing a weir
across Italiar, a tributary of Anamalayar for
diverting 2.5 T.M.Cft. to Tamil Nadu.
The Nirar-Nallar Multipurpose Straight
Cut Scheme envisages formation of a reservoir
with 7 T.M.Cft. capacity across Nallar, a tributary
of Palar in Bharathapuzha basin, for conveyance
of water from Upper Nirar Weir across Nirar river
directly to Nallar by means of a tunnel for
irrigation and also utilize it for generation of
Hydro power. Tamil Nadu is pressing for Nirar –
Nallar Multipurpose Straight cut scheme to the
present circuitous route i.e., from Upper Nirar to
Sholayar reservoir, then to Parambikulam
reservoir and then through the contour canal to
Thirumurthy reservoir, to reduce water loss. In
the Inter-State meetings held on 12.12.2019,
11.09.2020 and on 17.9.2021, the Nirar-Nallar
Project was deliberated. Technical details and
data pertaining to Nirar Nallar Scheme proposal
of Tamil Nadu were sent to Kerala on
08.02.2021. In Video Conference meeting held
on 17.09.2021, Kerala put forth its demand
48
for an increased share of water, about 2.5 to
3 T.M.Cft. at Manacadavu Weir.
As decided in the Inter State meeting
held on 17.09.2021, Tamil Nadu constituted a
Technical Sub Committee on 01.10.2021, to
deliberate with regards to benefits to both the
States and sort out technical issues of both the
Projects. Kerala’s response is awaited. The
matter is under correspondence. The Technical
Sub Committee has conducted two meetings, on
20.10.2021 and 03.08.2022 and discussed about
the technical issues which are to be sorted with
Kerala appropriately.
After getting consent of Kerala, Detailed
Project Reports will be prepared and after
obtaining the necessary clearances, the
Anamalayar and Nirar-Nallar projects would be
executed.
The Government of Tamil Nadu is
pursuing the issues with the Government of
Kerala to complete the review of the PAP Inter
State Agreement and to execute the Anamalayar
and Nirar-Nallar Projects considering the interest
of the farmers of Tamil Nadu.
49
2.5. Neyyar Irrigation Project
The Neyyar Irrigation Project was planned
by the Travancore-Cochin Government in two
stages during 2nd Five Year Plan 1956-1961,
and constructed. Thereafter, due to the States
Re-organisation in 1956, a portion of the ayacut
localised to be served by this project to the
extent of 9,200 acres lying in Vilavancode Taluk
was transferred to Tamil Nadu and forms part of
Kanniyakumari District. The canal works in
Vilavancode area required to feed this ayacut
were executed by the Government of Tamil
Nadu with the concurrence of Union Government
and Government of Kerala. The project has been
in operation since 1965. Government of Kerala
abruptly stopped the supply of water in March,
2004. Even though, bilateral discussions were
held several times to release water to Tamil
Nadu, no solution could be found. Hence, in the
year 2012, Government of Tamil Nadu filed an
Original Suit in the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The
cross-examination of the Tamil Nadu’s witness is
over on 16.12.2022. Kerala’s witnesses are to be
cross-examined, soon.
50
Tamil Nadu Government is taking all
efforts to get water from Neyyar Dam and to
safeguard the interest of the farmers of
Vilavancode Taluk, and to protect the rights of
Tamil Nadu.
2.6. Repairs to Shenbagavalli Anicut
Shenbagavalli Anicut is a diversion Anicut
built at the junction of two streams viz.,
Puliampattithodu and Chokkampattithodu in the
head reach of Periyar Basin lying in Kerala State
limits just to the west of Tamil Nadu border. This
anicut is in existence for more than 200 years
and it diverts flows to mainly two tanks namely
Kulashekharaperi and Rasingeperi in Sivagiri
Taluk of Tenkasi District through a channel,
namely, Kanyamathagu channel, which is 4,400
ft. (1341m) long, which supply water to a group
of tanks. About 10,924 acres in Tenkasi and
Virudhunagar Districts are being irrigated. In
order to carry out the repairs to the
Shenbagavalli Anicut, the Government of Tamil
Nadu is continuously requesting Government of
Kerala, to give its consent.
51
In the Madurai Bench of Madras High
Court, a Writ Petition was filed praying to take
steps to repair the Shenbagavalli Anicut and
Kanyamathagu channel. The Government of
Tamil Nadu, has filed Counter Affidavit for the
above Writ Petition. This case is pending.
Government of Tamil Nadu would be
taking up the issue again with the Government
of Kerala in the ensuing bilateral meeting among
other Inter State water issues, to protect the
interest of the Farmers affected due to the
above issue.
2.7. Pennaiyar River
River Pennaiyar originates at Nandidurg
in Karnataka and flows through States of
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and
Union Territory of Puducherry before
confluencing into the Bay of Bengal. Pennaiyar
River is an Inter-State River and forms part of
the Madras-Mysore Agreement of 1892.
Government of Tamil Nadu, in 2018, has
filed a Suit (O.S. No. 1 of 2018) and an
52
Interlocutory Application before the Supreme
Court against Government of Karnataka which is
undertaking the works of construction of Dam
across the Markandeya River, a tributary of
Pennaiyar, and diversion structures to divert
water from River Pennaiyar in violation of the
Madras-Mysore Agreement of 1892. Supreme
Court in its order dated 14.11.2019 granted
liberty to Tamil Nadu to make an appropriate
Application to Union Government for constitution
of a Tribunal for adjudication of Pennaiyar River
Water Dispute. Government of Tamil Nadu on
30.11.2019 has approached the Union
Government, Ministry of Jal Shakti to constitute
a Tribunal. Further, Government of Tamil Nadu
on 16.12.2019 filed an Interlocutory Application
(I.A. No. 193417 of 2019) in the Supreme Court
for maintenance of status quo of the projects of
Karnataka. The Suit is pending.
In January 2020, Ministry of Jal Shakti,
Union Government set up a Negotiation
Committee headed by the Chairman, Central
Water Commission. No decision could be
reached in the two meetings of the Negotiation
53
Committee. Subsequently, it submitted the Final
Report on 31.07.2020, in favour of constitution
of the Tribunal.
Tamil Nadu Government since then
requested Ministry of Jal Shakti on 21.11.2020,
19.02.2021 and 29.06.2021 for early
constitution of Tribunal and reiterated the
request in the Memorandum presented by
Hon’ble Minister of Water Resources to Hon’ble
Union Minister of Jal Shakti on 06.07.2021.
Secretary, Department of Water
Resources, Minister of Jal Shakti convened a
meeting with Additional Chief Secretaries of
basin States, on 1.9.2021 and the issue was
discussed. A meeting for mutual discussions
between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka along with
Minister of Jal Shakti was suggested. Karnataka
has opposed on 13.10.2021, the constitution of
Tribunal. Government of Tamil Nadu reiterated
to Ministry of Jal Shakti on 01.11.2021,
20.12.2021, 11.03.2022 and 09.05.2022, to
constitute the Tribunal early.
54
As the constitution of Tribunal by the
Central Government, was getting delayed, an
Additional Affidavit was filed in the Hon’ble
Supreme Court, by Tamil Nadu, on 15.07.2022,
requesting to give directions to the MoWR,
Government of India.
The Union of India filed an Affidavit on
14.12.2022 requesting for 6 months’ time to
constitute the Tribunal. The Hon’ble Supreme
Court vide its order dated 14.12.2022 directed
that the Tribunal be constituted within three
months. On 19.01.2023 the Hon’ble Supreme
Court reiterated its order passed on 14.12.2022
and the I.A. is listed to be heard on 5.4.2023.
Government of Tamil Nadu citing the
order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court requested
the Ministry of Jal Shakti on 19.02.2023 to
constitute the Tribunal early. It is expected that
the Union of India would constitute the Tribunal
early.
Thus, Government of Tamil Nadu is
taking all necessary actions to protect the
interests of the farmers of Pennaiyar basin.
55
2.8. Inter Linking of Rivers
2.8.1. Godavari - Krishna - Pennar - Palar -
Cauvery link
Government of Tamil Nadu is
continuously urging Union Government, and the
Special Committee for Inter linking of Rivers
formed by the Union Government as per the
Judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, dated
27.02.2012 to implement the inter-linking of
Peninsular Rivers, viz., Mahanadi - Godavari -
Krishna - Pennar - Palar - Cauvery - Vaigai –
Gundar, for which National Water Development
Agency prepared Feasibility Report in 2004.
Anticipating the link project, Government
of Tamil Nadu, as early as in 2008, took up the
construction of Kattalai Barrage across Cauvery
and completed it in 2014. In the meanwhile, as
the finalisation of Mahanadi-Godavari link is
getting delayed, National Water Development
Agency(NWDA) has decided to implement the
Godavari-Krishna-Pennar-Cauvery in Phase-I
and prepared Detailed Project Report for the
same in April, 2021 and sent to concerned
States for their views.
56
Tamil Nadu has requested for enhancing
the quantum of water proposed to be transferred
to Tamil Nadu from 84 T.M.Cft. to 200 T.M.Cft.
in Phase-I itself, since it is a water deficit State
and to take up the link at a higher contour and
terminate it at Cauvery (Kattalai Barrage)
instead of at Cauvery (Grand Anicut), as it will
be helpful to supply water to the needy areas for
optimum utilization of water.
In the meanwhile, Hon’ble Chief Minister
of Tamil Nadu presented a Memorandum to the
Hon’ble Prime Minister on 17.06.2021, among
others, requested to finalise the Detailed Project
Report for this project incorporating the request
of Tamil Nadu and take up the work on priority
basis, so that Southern States could be
benefited from the inter basin transfer of
surplus/flood water which was also reiterated by
the Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources, Tamil
Nadu in his Memorandum presented to the
Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti on
06.07.2021.
57
NWDA had a discussion with the
concerned States for a consensus building
process for the implementation of this link on
29.10.2021. Tamil Nadu reiterated its views
during that meeting and also in the 29th
Southern Zonal Council meeting, which was
attended by the Hon’ble Higher Education
Minister, held at Tirupati on 14.11.2021 under
the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Union Home
Minister. A discussion was held with the Director
General, National Water Development Agency on
19.11.2021 by Additional Chief Secretary, Water
Resources Department, Tamil Nadu on this
issue, wherein getting consensus from the
concerned States early, was insisted upon.
Meanwhile, Union Government in the
Budget speech for 2022-2023 has informed that
once a consensus is reached among the
beneficiary States for this project, it will provide
support for implementation.
NWDA conducted a 3rd consultation
meeting to explore the way forward for the
implementation of this project on 18.2.2022.
Tamil Nadu made a presentation on the benefits
of taking the link canal at a higher contour.
58
Against the observations of the concerned Party
States on the availability of surplus water in
Godavari, the Central Water Commission opined
that about 4000 MCM of water would be
available for diversion to the southern basins.
Therefore, as an interim planning, NWDA
has carried out a preliminary Technical study in
October 2022 which envisages the diversion of
4000 MCM (141 TMC) of water from Godavari to
Krishna, Pennar and Cauvery basin. NWDA
conducted a 4th consultation meeting on
18.10.2022 to discuss about the above Technical
study. In this meeting, the Additional Chief
Secretary, Water Resources Department,
expressed his concern about the continuous
reduction in quantum and also requested to
include the Pennar – Cauvery (Kattalai Barrage)
link in the Phase-I itself, instead of Pennar -
Cauvery (Grand Anicut) link.
In the 36th Annual General meeting of
the NWDA Society, held on 13.12.2022 at New
Delhi, Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources,
Tamil Nadu requested to keep diversion from
Godavari as 7000 MCM (247 TMC) as proposed
in DPR prepared by NWDA in 2021 and take the
59
termination point of the link canal to Kattalai
Barrage instead of at Grand Anicut by justifying
the need to take up the link canal at a higher
contour. Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources,
Tamil Nadu further requested to increase the
allocation of water from Godavari – Cauvery link
project to the State of Tamil Nadu. The
Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources
Department also reiterated the views put forth
by the Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources,
Tamil Nadu. Hon’ble Union Minister for Jal
Shakti suggested to conduct a meeting with
NWDA officials exclusively to deliberate on these
issues and arrive at a suitable decision.
On 23.2.2023, the Additional Chief
Secretary, Water Resources Department,
requested Ministry of Jal Shakti to instruct CWC
and NWDA to keep the diversion from Godavari
as 247 T.M.Cft. and to take all proactive steps to
implement the NPP link Phase - I project, early
for the benefit of Tamil Nadu, the sectoral States
and the Nation at large. NWDA, was also
requested to conduct an exclusive meeting on
this, early.
In the 17th meeting of Task Force
Committee of NWDA held on 6.3.2023, at
60
Hydrabad, Tamil Nadu has requested to enhance
diversion of 4000 MCM to 7000 MCM from
Godavari and take the termination point of the
link canal to Kattalai Barrage instead of at Grand
Anicut. The Chairman of Task Force Committee
has requested Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to
give concurrence for Godavari and Cauvery Link
Project.
Government of Tamil Nadu is taking all
efforts to implement the Inter Linking of Rivers
Project to alleviate the water shortage in Tamil
Nadu.
2.8.2. Pamba - Achankoil - Vaippar Link
National Water Development Agency in
1994 prepared a feasibility report for the
Pamba-Achankoil-Vaippar Link Project, which
envisages diversion of 22 T.M.Cft. of surplus
water of Pamba and Achankoil Rivers of Kerala
to Tamil Nadu to irrigate an ayacut of
91,400 hectares in Sankarankoil, Kovilpatti,
Sivagiri, Srivilliputhur, Rajapalayam, Sathur and
Tenkasi Taluks of Tamil Nadu, which will also
help to generate power of 500 MW by Kerala.
61
Even though the Government of Tamil
Nadu gave its concurrence for preparing the
Detailed Project Report, Government of Kerala is
not in favour of this project.
Tamil Nadu has been continuously
requesting Ministry of Jal Shakti, Union
Government and National Water Development
Agency to prepare the Detailed Project Report
for this link project in all meetings of Special
Committee constituted for implementing the
Inter Linking of Rivers project. Even during the
Special Committee meeting, held on 12.11.2021
at New Delhi, Tamil Nadu citing the heavy flood
flows in 2021 in Pamba and Achankoil Rivers of
Kerala, requested National Water Development
Agency to prepare the Detailed Project Report
for Pamba – Achankoil – Vaippar Link project, so
as to implement this link speedily, as this link is
beneficial to Kerala also, in effective flood
management.
Government of Tamil Nadu is taking all
efforts through the National Water Development
Agency, meetings of Special Committee for Inter
Linking of Rivers and Union Government for the
implementation of this Project.
62
2.9. Pandiyar – Punnampuzha Project
Pandiyar, Punnampuzha and Cholatipuzha
are tributaries of the Inter State River Chaliyar.
These tributaries originates from the high peaks
of Nilgiris hills in Tamil Nadu and flows west into
Kerala, and empties in to the Arabian Sea .
An understanding was reached between
Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the year 1965 to
implement the (3x50 MW) Pandiyar-
Punnampuzha Hydro Electric Scheme at
Karakotapuzha in Tamil Nadu and 105 MW at
Putheripallam in Kerala which envisages
utilization of 14 T.M.Cft. water, out of the Annual
average yield of 27.6 T.M.Cft., generated from
the catchment area of Pandiyar and
Punnampuzha rivers in Tamil Nadu. The Union
Planning Commission approved this project in
1968. There was no diversion of water,
suggested in this proposal.
Based on the representation from the
ryots of Bhavani Sub basin, the Government of
Tamil Nadu directed to discontinue the
preparation works of the Project and to study
the feasibility of diverting the Pandiar-
63
Punnampuzha water eastwards in to the Moyar
River and from there to Lower Bhavani Reservoir
in Erode District. Accordingly, the above
proposal was investigated and found feasible. In
2006, a Project was prepared by the TANGEDCO
and sent to Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB)
for the concurrence of the Government of
Kerala. However, Kerala did not give its nod for
the modified proposal.
In the inter State meeting held between
the Chief Ministers on 25.09.2019 at
Thiruvananthapuram, it was decided to
constitute a committee comprising of 5 members
at the Secretary level of both the States to
discuss and advise the respective Governments
on implementing the Pandiyar - Punnampuzha
Scheme. In continuation of that inter-State
meeting was held on 11.09.2020 at
Thiruvananthapuram, and a meeting by the
Committee was held by Video Conferencing on
17.9.2021.
In the last meeting Kerala indicated to
consider Tamil Nadu’s proposal and it was
decided to constitute a Technical Sub Committee
64
to sort out the technical aspects of the proposal,
and the same has been constituted on
01.10.2021.
As announced by the Hon’ble Minister for
Water Resources Department during the
Demand for Grants for the year 2021-2022 the
Government accorded Administrative Sanction
for the work of “Conducting Surveying &
Leveling operation for preparation of feasibility
report for the multipurpose Pandiyar –
Punnampuzha Project” for an amount of
Rs.9.00 Lakh. After conducting preliminary
investigation and surveying works, feasibility
report has been prepared, for pursuing with the
State of Kerala in the inter-State meetings which
is expected to be held soon.
65
3.0. Krishna Water Supply Project
An Agreement was signed among the
States of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka
and Andhra Pradesh on 14.04.1976, in which
each State agreed to spare 5 T.M.Cft. of water
from Krishna basin to supply 15 T.M.Cft. of
water to Chennai City through the State of
Andhra Pradesh.
As per the Inter-State Agreement signed
between the States of Tamil Nadu and Andhra
Pradesh on 18.04.1983, the Government of
Andhra Pradesh has to deliver 12 T.M.Cft. of
water at Tamil Nadu Border every year,
excluding evaporation loss of 3 T.M.Cft. of
water as below:
1st spell - July to October : 8 T.M.Cft.
(4 Months)
2nd spell - January to April : 4 T.M.Cft.
(4 Months)
The project was taken up simultaneously
by both the States during 1983 and the water
was realized at the entry point of Tamil Nadu in
September 1996. The expenditure was agreed to
66
be shared between two States as per the
agreement signed between the two States on
the basis of the proportionate share of water.
To ensure drinking water supply to
Chennai city as per the Interstate agreement
and to evolve mechanism for accounting the
flows to be supplied by the States, the
Government of India, Ministry of Water
Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation, in its order dated 05.10.2018,
have constituted a Committee under the
chairmanship of the Chairman, Krishna River
Management Board. The Engineers-in-Chief of
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana
and Andhra Pradesh and the Chief Engineer,
Irrigation Management Organisation, Central
Water Commission are the members. The
Member Secretary, Krishna River Management
Board is the Member- Secretary of the above
Committee. The Committee shall meet at least
twice in a year in the months of June and
December. The above committee have
conducted 7 meetings so far. The 7th meeting
of the committee was held on 24.06.2022.
67
From the year 1996 to 15.03.2023, a
total of 108.363 T.M.Cft. of water has
been realized at Tamil Nadu Border
(Zero Point). During the water year 2022-2023,
3.695 T.M.Cft. of water has been realized at
Tamil Nadu border.
68
4.0. Interlinking of Rivers within the
State
‘‘கா ெத ெப ைண பாலா –த
க டேதா ைவைய ெபா ைந ந – என
ேம யா பலேவாட –
ேம ெச தத நா ’’- மகாக பார யா
4.1. Cauvery - Agniyar - South Vellar -
Manimuthar - Vaigai - Gundar Link
Canal Scheme
It has been proposed to form a new canal
for a total length of 262.19 km, taking off from
Kattalai (Mayanur) Barrage, constructed across
river Cauvery, to link the rivers Agniyar, South
Vellar, Manimuthar, Vaigai and Gundar in
3 phases viz.
Phase I- Cauvery (Kattalai Barrage) to South
Vellar (L.S. 0 Km – LS 118.45 Km)
Phase II- South Vellar to Vaigai River
(L.S.118.45 Km – 228.145 km)
Phase III- Vaigai River to Gundar River
(L.S.228.145 Km – 262.19 Km)
69
As the first phase of this project, the
Government have given "in-principle" approval
for a sum of Rs.6941 crore for the formation of a
new canal from Kattalai Barrage to South Vellar
(LS 0 Km - 118.45 Km).
Phase-I
The Government have accorded
Administrative Sanction to form flood carrier
canal for a length of 4.10 km in Karur District for
an amount of Rs.171.00 crore and 5.355 km
length in Trichy and Pudukottai Districts for an
amount of Rs.160.00 crore. In these works, 59%
have been completed as detailed below and
remaining works are in progress.
Name of the
Sl. Cross Masonry
Present Stage
No. and Cross
Drainage works
1 Aqueduct Under Progress
2 Cross Regulator Shutter works to be
completed
70
Name of the
Sl. Cross Masonry
Present Stage
No. and Cross
Drainage works
3 Escape Regulator Shutter works to be
completed
4 Syphon Aqueduct Completed
5 Under Tunnel Under Progress
6 Road Bridge 5 Nos. Completed
(7 Nos.) 2 No. Nearing
completion
7 Cut & Cover Under Progress
For implementation of this scheme, land
acquisition process is being taken up in Karur,
Tiruchirappalli and Pudukottai Districts by
formation of Land Acquisition Units.
Due to the integrated approach of Land
Administration and Water Resources
Departments and as the result of the monthly
review meetings the issues in land acquisition
are being solved then and there. This results in
71
the speedy process of land acquisition for this
scheme.
In Karur District 164.41 Hectare, in
Trichy District 54.90 Hectare and in Pudukottai
District 63.68 Hectare of patta lands have been
acquired. Remaining land acquisition process is
in progress.
Further Phase-II and Phase-III of this
project, Detailed Project Report is under
preparation.
On implementation of Cauvery – Agniyar
- South Vellar – Manimuthar - Vaigai- Gundar
Link Canal Scheme, the total command area to
an extent of 52,332.63 Hectare which includes
45,810.84 Hectare for stabilization and
6,521.79 Hectare for bridging gap, lying in
between Cauvery and Gundar basin would get
benefitted.
4.2. Inter - linking of Thamirabarani -
Karumeniyar - Nambiyar Rivers
“உ வா உலக தா ஆëஅஃ தா றா
எ வாைர எ லா ெபா ”- ற
This scheme is proposed to divert
2,765 Mc.ft. of flood surplus water of
Thamirabarani River from its average annual
72
flood surplus quantum of 13,758 Mc.ft. by
formation of Flood carrier canal for a length
of 75.175 km with carrying capacity of
3,200 cusecs from Kannadian Channel at
Vellankuzhi Village of Ambasamudram taluk to
M.L. Theri of Santhankulam Taluk by interlinking
Thamirabarani, Karumeniyar and Nambiyar
Rivers in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi Districts.
The works have been commenced in the year
2009 and is under implementation in four
stages.
For this project, administrative sanction
was accorded for Rs.369.00 crore on
12.06.2008. Revised Administrative Sanction
has been accorded for an amount of
Rs.933.23 crore.
By implementation of this scheme, an
extent of 13,481 hectares (33,312.28 acre) of
ayacut in Tirunelveli District and 9,559 hectares
(23,620.80 acre) of ayacut in Thoothukudi
District, totally 23,040 hectares
(56,933.08 acre) of ayacut will be benefited.
For this scheme, 913.137 hectares
(2,256.41 acre) of land in Tirunelveli District and
73
157.42 hectares (388.99 acre) of land in
Thoothukudi District to be acquired. In total,
1,070.55 hectares (2,645.40 acre) of land to be
acquired for this project. About 65% land
acquisition has been completed. Speedy action is
taken to acquire remaining land required.
Present stage of the works:-
Implementation
Percentage of
Completion
Under
Total
Stage
Completed
Packages
I 18 18 - 100%
II 18 18 - 100%
III 18 17 1 99%
IV 16 7 9 73%
The Investment Clearance was accorded
by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Union Government
for an amount of Rs.872.45 crore.
74
Based on the efforts taken by this
Government, the project has been included
under PMKSY-AIBP and the Union Government
has sanctioned an amount of Rs.44.22 Crore
as Central Share and released a sum of
Rs.9.0425 Crore as a 1st instalment on
31.03.2022.
The Balance Central Assistance proposal
has been sent to the Union Government for
approval.
4.3. River links under investigation
4.3.1. Pennaiyar (Sathanur Dam) – Cheyyar
link
This scheme was proposed to divert
5.87 T.M.Cft. of flood surplus water from
foreshore of Sathanur Dam by excavating canal
to feed en-route tanks and augmenting supply
to 36 Nos. of tanks under Nandan canal system
and also to link Pennaiyar River with Palar River
through Cheyyar River.
After analyzing the total availability of
water at Sathanur reservoir and by considering
the existing and new proposals on the upstream
75
side of Sathanur reservoir, it has been
found that the available surplus water is
0.767 T.M.Cft. only. Under the present
circumstances the above work has been
proposed to be implemented in two phases.
In Phase- I, it is proposed to excavate a
main canal from Sathanur reservoir, feeder
canal and branch canals to divert 500 cusecs of
water for 11 days to feed 22 Nos. of en-route
tanks in Tiruvannamalai District and augmenting
Nandan canal system through which 36 Nos. of
tanks would get water.
By this scheme, 2,609.04 acre of ayacut
in Tiruvannamalai district and 6,653.34 acre of
ayacut of Nandan canal would get benefited. For
implementing the first phase, 276.34 acre of
patta land, 35.30 acre of poromboke land and
34.37 acre of Forest land are required.
By implementation of this scheme,
33 villages in Tiruvannamalai district and
24 Villages in Villupuram district would get
benefitted. Surveying and levelling operations
and Geological investigations for the scheme
have been completed.
76
The Detailed Project Report for Phase-I-
“Excavation of link canal to feed 22 tanks in
Tiruvannamalai district and augmenting supply
to Nandan canal” for an estimated amount of
Rs.229.35 Crore (2021-2022 Price level) is
under consideration.
Further, based on the dependability, the
Technical Feasibility will be studied to
interconnect the main canal with the Cheyyar
River in Phase–II.
4.3.2. Pennaiyar (Nedungal anicut) – Palar
link
This scheme aims to divert 3 T.M.C. ft. of
flood water of River Pennaiyar from Nedungal
Anicut (located on the downstream of Krishnagiri
Reservoir) to Kallar, which is a tributary of Palar.
The Detailed Project Report for this scheme at
an estimated cost of Rs.648.23 crore (2017-
2018) was prepared by the National Water
Development Agency and received by the
Government of Tamil Nadu during the year
2018.
As on date, the dependency on Hydrology
needs to be verified on consideration of the on-
77
going projects and projects under consideration
in Pennaiyar basin,
Revised Detailed Project Report has to be
prepared in accordance to the dependable
hydrology, for which detailed investigation needs
to be carried out.
Administrative sanction has been
accorded for Rs.0.96 crore for investigation. The
investigation works are in progress.
By implementing this scheme, it is
possible to recharge open wells and bore wells
to stabilize 24,329 acre of existing command
area in Pochampalli, Krishnagiri Taluks of
Krishnagiri District and Vaniyambadi, Tirupathur
Taluks of Tirupathur District.
4.3.3. Cauvery (Mettur dam) – Sarabanga -
Thirumanimuthar - Ayyar Link Canal
Project
Under this scheme, it is proposed to
divert 5 T.M.Cft. of Cauvery flood surplus water
from Mettur Dam through formation of a new
canal passing through Salem, Namakkal,
Perambalur and Tiruchirappalli Districts. It is
78
proposed to implement the scheme in two
phases.
In Phase-I, the link canal for a length of
132.305 km from Mettur dam to Pavithram tank
is proposed to be formed. In Phase-II, the link
canal for a length of 36.995 km is proposed to
be formed from Pavithram tank to Ayyar River.
Phase - I
A feasibility report for Phase-I has been
prepared for an amount of Rs.9,176 crore
(2020-2021 price level) and it is under
consideration. In this phase, it is evaluated that
an extent of 2,164.87 acre of patta land and an
extent of 283.03 acre of forest land are required
for this project implementation. By
implementing this phase, about 31,263 acre of
ayacut would get benefited.
Phase - II
A feasibility report has been prepared for
an amount of Rs.1,060.00 crore (2020-2021
price level) and is under consideration.
In this phase an extent of 600.56 acre of
patta land and an extent of 42.71 acre of
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poromboke land are required for this project. By
implementing this scheme, about 6,479 acre of
ayacut will be benefited. Action is being taken to
prepare Detailed Project Report.
4.3.4. Thamirabarani - Uppar Odai -
Malattar - Vaippar Link
The Uppar Odai, Malattar River (Kallar
River) and Vaippar River flowing through
Thoothukudi District are in drought prone area
and facing water deficit for drinking and
agricultural needs. Hence, it is proposed to
divert the un-utilized surplus water of
Thamirabarani River to Uppar Odai, Malattar
Odai and Vaippar River in Thoothukkudi District.
From Thamirabarani River, it is proposed
to divert 400 cusecs of surplus water near
Seevalaperi check dam for 18 days initially by
pumping to a length of 13 km with a lifting head
of 41 m. Then by formation of gravity canal for a
length of 64.5 km to inter link all en-route
Streams / Rivers.
By this scheme, around
2,204.92 Hectares of ayacut lies in Uppar Odai,
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Malattar Odai and Vaippar River will be benefited
in Srivaikuntam, Ottapidaram, Ettayapuram and
Vilathikulam Taluks in Thoothukudi District
Administrative sanction has been
accorded for an amount of Rs.40.00 Lakh for the
work of surveying, investigation and preparation
of Detailed Project Report. Investigation works
completed. For preparation of Detailed Project
Report, evolving design is in progress.
81
5.0. Special Desilting Works
5.1. Cauvery Delta Desilting
“ அ லா ம றா ேக
ப தைலகா அ ”- ற
The Cauvery Delta desilting works are
carried out to ensure the water released from
Mettur dam reaches the irrigation canals in the
Cauvery delta Districts till the tail end areas
without any hindrance and for quick drainage
during floods.
During the year 2022-2023, 683 desilting
works to desilt Rivers, Canals and Supply
Channels for the length of 4,964.11 km in
Cauvery Delta Districts of viz., Karur,
Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur,
Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai,
Pudukkottai and Cuddalore for an amount of
Rs.80 crore were taken up and the works were
completed well in time enabling delta farmers to
fully reap benefits of early release of water from
Mettur on 24.05.2022.
The desilting of water bodies in Cauvery
Delta areas to the designed bed level, removal
82
of shoals and thorny bushes in Canals /
Channels, Branch Canals / Drains / Supply
Channels etc., are executed on war footing basis
with the involvement of “Uzhavar Kuzhu”
(Farmers Association) and irrigation water
reaches tail end area without any hindrance.
The Desiltation helped to increase in
the Kar – Kuruvai acreage in the Delta area from
4.9 lakh acres in 2021 to 5.36 lakh acres in
2022 season.
For the year 2023-2024, it is planned to
desilt Rivers, Canals and Supply Channels in
Cauvery Delta Districts before opening of Mettur
Dam.
5.2. Special Desilting Works in Madurai
Region
During 2022-2023, Special Desilting
works at an estimate cost of Rs.2.959 crore
were carried out in Vaigai and Thamirabarani
Basins in Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi
Districts and Canals in Kodayar Irrigation
Systems in Kanniyakumari District to remove
deposition and to restore the carrying capacity
of the channels in order to ensure supply up to
tail end reaches.
83
Similarly, it is planned to carry out
Special Desilting works in 6 basins (Upper
Vaigai, Lower Vaigai, Gundar, Vaippar,
Tamirabarani and Nambiyar) of Madurai Region
during the year 2023-2024 to restore the
carrying capacity of the channels in order to
ensure irrigation water to farmers in timely
manner.
5.3. Special Desilting Works in
Coimbatore Region
During 2022-2023, 56 special desilting
works at a cost of Rs.3 crore in Bhavani,
Amaravathi and Parambikulam Sub Basin in
Coimbatore, Erode, Karur and Tiruppur Districts
were completed.
125 desilting works at an amount of
Rs.4 crore were completed in Parambikulam
Aliyar Project Irrigation Channels in Coimbatore
and Tiruppur Districts.
Desilting the bed of water bodies to the
designed bed level, removal of bushes, fallen
earth & debris in Canal / Channel, Branch
Canals, Supply Channels, etc, were executed to
ensure irrigation water to tail end.
84
Similarly, it is planned to carry out
desilting works in Parambikulam Aliyar Project
(PAP) Basin, Amaravathy Sub Basin and Lower
Bhavani Sub-Basin during 2023-2024 to restore
the carrying capacity of the channels in order to
ensure irrigation water to farmers in timely
manner.
85
6.0. Construction of New Regulator
across Kollidam River at Mukkombu
(Upper Anicut)
Construction of New Regulator across
Kollidam River in Northern and Southern arms of
the Kollidam River on the downstream side of
the existing regulator at Mukkombu (Upper
Anicut) in Tiruchirappalli at revised estimate cost
of Rs.414 crore is nearing completion. This new
regulator is being constructed to replace the
existing partially damaged age-old Regulator
and to benefit an ayacut of 12,58,460 acre.
Construction of a New Regulator, Single
Lane Bridge over Regulator, Guide Walls,
standardisation of Flood Banks, Construction of
Oosipalam Bridge works are completed. Due to
forest issue the road work is under progress.
Sincere effects are being taken to resolve the
issue with Forest department to complete the
road work early.
86
7.0. Construction of a New Barrage with
Head Sluice across Kollidam River in
Adhanur and Kumaramangalam
Villages in Cuddalore and
Mayiladuthurai Districts
Construction of a Barrage with head
sluice across the River Kollidam, in Adhanur and
Kumaramangalam Villages of Cuddalore and
Mayiladuthurai Districts is under implementation
at an estimated cost of Rs.494.60 crore. The
Project Cost is Rs.463.25 crore and Land
Acquisition cost is Rs.31.35 crore.
This barrage is proposed with a capacity
of 0.334 T.M.Cft. and the total usable annual
storage works out to 1.072 T.M.Cft. adopting
4 fillings. The total benefitting ayacut would be
31,221 acre, out of which 26,810 acre through
stabilisation and 4,411 acre by recharging of
existing nearby wells in Cuddalore and
Mayiladuthurai Districts. Water stored by this
scheme will be utilised for supplying Drinking
Water to Greater Chennai Corporation through
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the Veeranam Tank. Villages on both the banks
of the River Kollidam will be linked by a bridge
over the Barrage.
Construction of a Barrage with Head
Sluice and Two lane bridges over the Barrage
are nearing completion. Strengthening of bund,
Approach road and other works are in progress.
So far, 93% of works have been completed.
Land Acquisition is also in progress.
88
8.0. Construction of Barrage across the
Cauvery River in Nanjai Pugalur
Construction of a Barrage across River
Cauvery at about 107 km from Mettur dam i.e.
200 m downstream of Vangal Head work
arrangement in Nanjai Pugalur Village of Pugalur
Taluk in Karur District under NABARD
Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA)
sanctioned for Rs.406.50 crore as deposit work
is under implementation.
By implementing this scheme, about
800 Mc.ft. of water can be stored. An ayacut of
1,458 acre of Vangal Channel and 2,583 acre of
Mohanur Channel will be benefitted. A total
ayacut of 4,041 acre will be benefited in addition
to catering the water requirement of Tamil Nadu
Newsprint and Papers Limited. So far 54% of
works have been completed.
89
9.0. Extension, Renovation and
Modernization of the Cauvery Basin
Irrigation System (ERM)
The existing irrigation system in Cauvery
Delta were planned with unlined canals for
traditional Cropping pattern and assumed
irrigation efficiencies. Hence, the Government
planned to update and improve the components
of the existing Irrigation system in Cauvery
Basin viz., Grand Anicut Canal System, Cauvery
Sub-basin, Lower Bhavani Project System,
Kattalai High Level Canal Irrigation System,
Noyyal Sub-basin and Rajavoikkal Irrigation
System to meet modern day concepts on safety
and present day demand of water for irrigation
by improving its irrigation efficiency under ERM
Scheme.
The works includes standardisation of
Canals, Channels, Reconstruction / Repair of
Irrigation Infrastructures such as Head sluices,
Pipe Sluices, Regulators, Drops, Syphon
Aqueduct, Under Tunnel, strengthening of
protection works etc.
90
ICONIC Project (ERM) Works
i. Cauvery Sub Basin Project
Extension Renovation and Modernization
of Irrigation Infrastructure of Cauvery Sub-Basin
Project are being executed as deposit work at an
estimated cost of Rs.3,384 crore in 33 packages
through Tamil Nadu Water Resources
Conservation and River Restoration Corporation
with loan assistance from NABARD Infrastructure
Development Assistance (NIDA).
By implementing the above scheme,
3,54,147 acre of ayacut in Thanjavur,
Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Mayiladuthurai and
Tiruvarur Districts will be benefitted.
33 packages at an estimate cost of
Rs.3,384 crore are in various stages of
implementation. Overall 43% work completed
and remaining works are in progress.
ii. Grand Anicut Canal System
ERM scheme is implemented in Grand
Anicut Canal System project to restore the
original full water supply level of 4,200 cusecs in
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Grand Anicut Canal, to increase the conveyance
efficiency from present 45% to 61.60%, to
enhance production by bridging gap area of
67,500 acre and to benefit total ayacut of
2,27,472 acre in Thanjavur and Pudukkottai
Districts.
Innovations such as Canal Automation
Network and introduction of Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to control the flow
and to ensure the quantum of water as per the
requirement is released into the field, Decision
Support System (DSS) for efficient water
management in canal command areas are
contemplated in this project.
The Government on 13.11.2020 accorded
sanction for “Extension, Renovation and
Modernization of Grand Anicut Canal system in
Cauvery Basin for efficient water management in
Tamil Nadu” in 16 Packages at an estimated cost
of Rs.2,639.15 crore.
92
The Government have decided to pose
this project to Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank (AIIB) for seeking financial assistance for
an amount of Rs.1,609.125 crore (70% of
the project cost of Rs.2,298.75 crore at 2014 -
2015 price level) and the process is under
progress. State Government fund will be
Rs.1,036.70 crore for this project.
The Government on 18.01.2021 accorded
financial sanction for an amount of
Rs.1,036.70 crore for 5 Packages. Out of
16 Packages, Works in 5 Packages are in
progress. So far 72% of work completed in
5 Packages.
iii. Kattalai High Level Canal Irrigation
System
Extension, Renovation and Modernization
of Kattalai High Level Canal irrigation system at
an estimated cost of Rs.335.50 crore to benefit
an ayacut area of 20,185.06 acre in Karur
District and 3,589 acre in Tiruchirappalli District
under State fund with reimbursement of fund
assistance from NIDA is nearing completion.
93
Other Extension, Renovation and
Modernization (ERM) Project
i. Rajavaikkal Irrigation System
Extension, Renovation and Modernization
of Rajavaikkal Irrigation System at an estimated
cost of Rs.184 crore in 2 packages to benefit an
ayacut area 12,786 acre in Namakkal District
under State fund with reimbursement of fund
assistance from NIDA. 98% of works completed
in Package-1 and works completed in Package-2.
The works carried out in this project are
Construction of Retaining Walls, Strengthening
the Banks of the Canal, Repair of Sluices and
Shutters in the Rajavaikkal, Kumarapalayam
Vaikkal, Poiyeri Vaikkal and Moganur Vaikkal.
ii. Noyyal River System
Extension, Renovation and Modernization
of Irrigation Infrastructures in Noyyal River
System at an estimated cost of Rs.230.00 crore
under State fund with reimbursement of fund
assistance from NIDA to benefit 7,000 acre of
direct ayacut and 11,000 acre indirect ayacut in
Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode and Karur Districts.
94
The works have been split into
3 Packages from LS 0 to 34.50 km, LS 34.50 to
72 km and LS 72 to 158.35 km. Main works are
completed. Sub works are in progress.
iii. Lower Bhavani Project System
Extension Renovation and Modernization
of Irrigation Infrastructure of Lower Bhavani
Project System are being executed as deposit
work at an estimated cost of Rs.933.10 crore in
6 packages through Tamil Nadu Water
Resources Conservation and River Restoration
Corporation with loan assistance from NABARD
Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA)
and the works are in progress.
By implementing the above scheme
2,47,247 acre of ayacut in Erode, Karur and
Tiruppur Districts will be benefited. Out of
6 Packages, the Package 5 & 6 viz., ERM works
of Kalingarayan Channel, Thadappalli and
Arakkankottai Channels are completed.
The Packages from 1 to 4 viz., works of
the Lower Bhavani Project main canal from mile
0-0-373 to mile 124-2-560 are taken up for
95
implementation and held up temporarily due to
strong opposition from the group of farmers.
Steps are being taken by the Department and
District administration to resume the works in
cooperation with farmers at the earliest.
96
10.0. Mettur - Sarabanga Lift Irrigation
Scheme
Diversion of surplus water from the
Mettur Dam to the dry tanks in Sarabanga Basin
in Salem District by Lift Irrigation sanctioned at
an estimated cost of Rs.565.00 crore is in
progress.
This scheme envisages diverting
555 Mc.ft. of flood surplus water of Mettur
Reservoir by lift irrigation. By implementing this
scheme, a total ayacut of 4061.66 acre through
79 tanks will be benefited.
Formation of the canal from the Left flank
of the Mettur Reservoir water spread area to the
pumping station and construction of Main
Pumping Station in Thippampatti Village (Gonur)
have been completed. The pumped water will be
taken to two Tank Groups by two outlets, i.e,
Mecheri Tank Group which starts from Kalipatti
Tank and Nangavalli Tank Group which starts
from Nangavalli Tank. So far 90% of works
completed. Land acquisition and laying of
pipeline works are in progress.
97
11.0. Athikadavu Avinashi Pumping
Scheme
Athikadavu - Avinashi Scheme as
Irrigation, Ground Water recharge and Drinking
Water supply scheme at an revised estimated
cost of Rs.1,756.88 crore under State fund on
Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT)
basis is under implementation. This Scheme
involves pumping of 1.5 T.M.Cft. of surplus
water of the Bhavani River from the downstream
of the Kalingarayan anicut to feed 32 Water
Resources Department tanks, 42 Panchayat
Union tanks and 971 Ponds in Coimbatore,
Tiruppur and Erode Districts. By implementing
this scheme, 24,468 acre of ayacut will be
benefited. The project work was started on
25.12.2019. 99% of work has been completed.
Civil works are completed in Weir and 6 Pump
Houses. Electrical works, Transformers, HT/LT
Panels, VT Pumps & Motors, EOT Cranes, Trash
rack & Stop log gates have been erected in all
the Pump houses Laying of MS & HDPE Pipes are
in progress. 83% of erecting EB Pole and laying
underground electric arrangements works have
been completed.
98
On 20.02.2023 trial run for the project
has been commenced. Trial Run for pumping
water in raising main pipe lines from pump
house 1 to 6 has been completed. Further Trial
Run is in progress.
99
12.0. Augmenting the Storage Capacity of
Chennai City Water Supply Resources
Augmenting the storage capacity of
Chennai City Water Supply Tanks viz.,
Cholavaram Tank and Poondi Reservoir in
Thiruvallur District and Chembarampakkam Tank
in Kancheepuram District by desilting at an
estimated cost of Rs.20.44 crore are under
implementation. Further desilting of Red hills
Tank in Thiruvallur District at an estimated cost
of Rs.9.90 crore is to be taken up shortly.
By desilting the above 4 city water supply tanks,
it is aimed to restore total capacity of about
1.904 T.M.Cft.
Formation of New Reservoir by upgrading
the capacity of Kattur and Thatamanji twin tanks
in Thiruvallur District at an estimated cost of
Rs.62.36 crore is in progress. This Reservoir
may augment water resource to Greater Chennai
and provide irrigation facility to 5,804.38 acre of
ayacut. So far 95% of work has been completed.
100
Reclaiming and Rejuvenating the Kolavoy
Lake in Chengalpattu District for augmenting
drinking water supply to the extended Chennai
urban and Chengalpattu area has been taken
up for an amount of Rs.60.00 crore. This
work aims to increase the capacity of tank from
477 Mc.ft. to 650 Mc.ft.
Construction of a Bed dam across
Chembarambakkam tank surplus at LS 750m
and diverting the water from the Bed dam
through cut and cover to feed into the
Chikkarayapuram abandoned quarry in
Kundrathur Taluk of Kancheepuram District at
an estimate cost of Rs.35 crore is taken up for
implementation.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister, in a meeting
held on 03.08.2022, has given in-principle
approval to take up and investigate the following
projects for augmenting Greater Chennai
drinking water supply source:-
101
Estimate
Sl. Amount
Name of Work Benefits
No. (Rs. In
crore)
1 Desilting and Capacity
increasing FTL of will
Pillaipakkam Tank in increase
Sriperumbudhur from 120
Taluk of Mc.ft. to
21.50
Kancheepuram 190 Mc.ft.
District thereby 72
MLD water
will be
utilized
2 Desilting and Capacity
increasing FTL of will
Sriperumbudhur increase
Tank in from 170
Sriperumbudhur Mc.ft. to
20.00
Taluk of 220 Mc.ft.
Kancheepuram thereby
District 200 MLD
water will
be utilized
102
Estimate
Sl. Amount
Name of Work Benefits
No. (Rs. In
crore)
3 Improvement to Capacity
supply channel and will
to feed water to increase
Chembarambakkam from 350
Tank from Nemam Mc.ft. to
Tank in Poonamalli 600 Mc.ft.
Taluk of Thiruvallur 50.00 thereby
District increase
storage
capacity to
1.20
T.M.CFT. in
Two fillings
4 Desilting and Capacity
increasing FTL of will
Thiruninravur Tank increase
in Thiruvallur District from 200
Mc.ft. to
500 Mc.ft.
100.00 thereby to
supply
drinking
water to
Avadi
Corporation
and ULB
103
Estimate
Sl. Amount
Name of Work Benefits
No. (Rs. In
crore)
5 Desilting and Capacity
increasing FTL of will
Madhavaram Retteri increase
Tank in Chennai from 32
District Mc.ft. to 62
Mc.ft.
40.00
thereby to
supply
drinking
water to
Chennai
city
The proposals for according Administrative
Sanction for the above are under consideration.
104
13.0. Externally Aided Projects
‘‘ம ப ேலா உைடயா அ ப
யா ள பைவ’’ - ற .
13.1. World Bank Assisted Tamil Nadu
Irrigated Agriculture Modernization
Project (TNIAMP)
Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture
Modernisation Project (TNIAMP) has been
planned for implementation in 66 sub basins of
the State. It covers for an extent of 5.43 lakh
Hectare over a period of 7 years starting from
2018 with an outlay of Rs.2,962 crore. This is
the follow-on project of the successfully
completed IAMWARM Project.
The Project is being implemented by the
Water Resources Department and 6 line
departments, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University,
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences
University and Tamil Nadu Fisheries University.
In this Project, it has been planned to take up
rehabilitation of 4,778 Tanks, 477 Anicuts, and
Artificial Recharge Wells in the water spread
area of tanks. In addition to this, improving
105
drainage cum Irrigation Channels in Cauvery
Delta and other Sub-Basins at an outlay of
Rs.2,131.34 crore and earmarked for Water
Resources Department in 4 phases.
Rehabilitation of Flood Affected Tanks and
Irrigation Channels:-
Administrative Sanction has been
accorded for the rehabilitation of flood affected
59 tank systems, consisting of 57 tanks and
2 Main Irrigation Channels grouped into
16 packages under funding of the World Bank in
TNIAMP, for Rs.43.63 crore. Works have been
completed in all 16 packages.
Phase - I Works
Administrative Sanction has been
accorded for the rehabilitation of 1,325 Tanks,
107 Anicuts and 42 Artificial Recharge Wells
in 18 Sub Basins grouped into 204 packages at
an estimated cost of Rs.743.57 crore, including
18 Packages of environmental management
component at an estimated cost of
Rs.1.86 crore.
106
Rehabilitation works have been
completed in 185 Packages and 1 Package works
have been dropped. Works in 18 environment
packages are under in progress.
Phase - II Works
Administrative Sanction has been
accorded for the Rehabilitation of 906 Tanks
and 181 Anicuts and Construction of 37 Artificial
Recharge Wells, grouped into 57 packages in
16 sub-basins at an estimated cost of
Rs.649.55 crore. These 57 packages were
grouped into 45 packages.
Rehabilitation works have been
completed in 23 packages and works are in
progress in 6 packages. Further, environment
works are in progress in 16 packages.
Phase - III Works
Administrative Sanction has been
accorded for the rehabilitation of 329 Tanks
and 56 Anicuts and Construction of 16 Artificial
Recharge Wells in 9 sub basins grouped into
25 packages at an estimated cost of
Rs.189.81 crore, including 9 packages of
107
environmental management component at an
estimated cost of Rs.0.77 crore.
Rehabilitation works are in progress in
11 packages and works will be commenced soon
in 5 packages. Further, environment works are
in progress in 9 packages.
Phase - IV Works
It is proposed to take up additional works
in 10 sub basins which were already
implemented in IAMWARM project and TNIAMP.
The Government have accorded Administrative
Sanction for rehabilitation of 12 Tanks,
11 Anicuts / Bed Dam, 110.10 km Channel and
11 Canals in 8 sub basins at an estimated cost of
Rs.272.18 crore. Out of 14 rehabilitation work
packages, work commenced in 12 packages and
for remaining 2 packages preliminary works are
under process.
Action is being taken for according
Administrative Sanction for the remaining 2 sub
basins.
Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM)
Tamil Nadu is one among the pioneering
State in promoting Participatory Irrigation
108
Management. “The Tamil Nadu Farmers’
Management of Irrigation Systems Act,
2000 (TNFMIS) (TN Act 7/2001)” has been
enacted and brought into force under
management of the Water Resources
Department.
The Project Appraisal Document (PAD) of
the World Bank for Tamil Nadu for the PIM
activities has envisaged “For establishing and
strengthening the Water Users’ Associations
(WUAs), including operationalising the Water
Users’ Associations (WUAs) to undertake
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the field
Channels and equitable water distribution within
their command areas”.
For implementing the Participatory
Irrigation Management (PIM) activities, an
overall amount of Rs.79.92 crore has been
allocated under TNIAMP.
The functions of the PIM Cell are as under
(i) To monitor implementation of the
Participatory Irrigation Management
concept in the State.
109
(ii) To lead the efforts in formation of
Water Users’ Associations (WUAs),
Distributary Committees, Project
Committees and Apex Committee as
per the Tamil Nadu Farmers’
Management of Irrigation Systems
Act, 2000.
(iii) Capacity building of the Water Users’
Associations (WUAs) and Competent
Authorities in the project area.
The proposal for conducting 2nd Term
election for 2,800 Water Users’ Associations
(WUAs) already formed in the 61 Sub Basins
under the IAMWARM Project Command Area and
1st Term election to approximately 1500 Water
Users’ Associations (WUAs) which have to be
formed in the 43 Sub Basins under TNIAMP are
under progress.
So far, 2nd term election for 2,368 WUAs
and 1st term election for 618 WUAs in
29 Districts were completed.
110
13.2. Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement
Project-II (DRIP-II)
Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement
Project- II is being implemented in Tamil Nadu,
to ensure the strength, safety and to improve
the operational performance of the existing
Dams in a sustainable manner, with the loan
assistance from World Bank (IBRD –
International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development) and AIIB (Asian Infrastructure
Investment Bank) for a project cost of
Rs.610.26 crore (Tamil Nadu Water Resources
Department: Rs.582.31 crore & Agricultural
Engineering Department: Rs.27.95 crore) and
also accorded permission to incur the
expenditure of DRIP I spill over works pertaining
to Water Resources Department for an amount
of Rs.28.12 crore from the project cost. The
project period is 6 years commencing from April
2021.
The components of the DRIP-II are as
follows:-
111
1. Rehabilitation and Management
planning of Dams and associated
appurtenances.
2. Dam Safety Institutional
Strengthening.
3. Risk Informed Asset Management
and Innovative Financing for
sustainable operation and
maintenance of Dams.
4. Project Management.
In DRIP-II proposal, 37 Tamil Nadu
Water Resources Department Dams have been
proposed viz., Rehabilitation works in 32 Dams
by Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department,
Rehabilitation works and catchment area
treatment and soil erosion works in 4 Dams by
both Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department &
Agriculture Engineering Department and
Catchment area treatment and soil erosion
works alone in 1 Dam by Agriculture Engineering
Department.
The project preparatory activities such as
Dam Safety Review Panel Inspection, Project
112
Screening Template Preparation and approval
from World Bank / AIIB, Draft Bid approval from
the competent authority are in progress. So far,
the Dam Safety Review Panel Inspection has
been completed in 24 Water Resources
Department Dams and based on the
recommendations of Dam Safety Review Panel
Inspection, rehabilitation estimates are being
prepared.
Administrative Sanction has been
accorded for an amount of Rs.261.26 crore for
the Rehabilitation and Improvement works in
Sathanur, Sholayar, Upper Nirar, Kelavarappalli
and Bhavanisagar Dams. 92% of works in
Sathanur Dam, 41% of works in Sholayar Dam
and 20% of works in Upper Nirar Dam were
completed and works in Kelavarappalli dam is to
be commenced. Preliminary activities for
Bhavanisagar Dam are under process.
The spill over works of DRIP-I viz.
Installation of Real time dam health monitoring
instruments in 17 DRIP Dams have been
completed and the validation of data &
maintenance works are in progress.
113
13.3. National Hydrology Project (NHP)
The National Hydrology Project is a
Central Sector Scheme with World Bank
assistance with the objective to improve the
extent, quality and accessibility of Water
Resources, to create Decision Support Systems
for floods, Basin Level Resources Assessment /
Planning for water resources institutions. The
State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data
Centre (SG & SWRDC) wing is the nodal agency
for the implementation of the National Hydrology
Project. (NHP)
The duration of the project is 8 years
from 2016-2017 to 2023-2024. A sum of
Rs.103.71 crore has been allotted to the
following four components of NHP as per the
approved Project Implementation Plan –
November 2022.
114
(Rs.in crore)
Sl.
Name of Component Allocation
No.
Hydro meteorological
1. 94.46
Data Acquisition System
Water Resources
2. 1.30
Information System
Water Resources
3. Operation Managing 0.30
System
Institutional Capacity
4. 7.65
Enhancement
Total 103.71
Till now, grant of Rs.39.15 crore have been
received out of which Rs.30.00 crore (76.62%)
have been spent.
The Major achievements under this project are:
1. Installation of 386 Nos. of Digital
Water Level Recorders (DWLRs)
transmitting Ground Water Levels in
borewells four times a day have been
115
completed at a cost of Rs.4.28 crore
under Ground Water Real Time Data
Acquisition System (GWRTDAS).
2. Installation of 45 Nos. of Automatic
Weather Stations, 100 Nos. of
Telemetric Automatic Rain gauge
Stations and 49 Nos. of Automatic
Water Level Recorders under Surface
Water Real Time Data Acquisition
System (SWRTDAS) at a cost of
Rs.10.50 crore is in progress. Once
both the above Real Time Data
Acquisition System (RTDAS) are
completed, a complete Real Time
Water Information System will be
available for the State.
3. Topographic survey and development
of Decision Support System are being
carried out for Agniar, Thamirabarani,
Varahanadhi and Vaigai Basins.
4. State of Art Water Quality
Equipments, Geo Physical Equipments
and Discharge Measuring Equipments
have been procured and put to use.
116
13.4. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Assisted Climate Change Adaptation
Programme in the Cauvery Delta –
Phase-II
The Climate Adaptation in Vennar Sub
Basin in Cauvery Delta Project, with the loan
assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB)
aims to protect coastal Districts from cyclones,
reduce flood risks made worse by climate
change, improve the distribution of water for
irrigation and to prevent seawater intrusion in
Vennar Sub Basin in Cauvery Delta at a cost of
Rs.1,560 crore, out of which the assistance
of Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be
Rs.1,092 crore and the State Share will be
Rs.468 crore. The project is being implemented
in the ratio of not more than 70% loan
assistance from ADB and not less than
30% from State share.
The project comprises of works such as
Construction of additional tail end regulators, re-
construction / rehabilitation of all the existing
tail end regulators and improving the drains by
117
widening and desilting on the upstream to bring
them to standards.
As a first phase of this project, works in
Rivers / Drains viz., Harichandranathi, Adappar,
Vellaiyar, Pandavaiyar, Valavanar Drain,
Vedharanyam Canal and Uppanar Drain, and
13 various pumping schemes in parts of Lower
Vennar system in Cauvery Delta pertaining to
Tiruvarur and Nagappattinam Districts at a
revised estimated cost of Rs.1,110.17 crore to
benefit an ayacut of 78,000 Hectare has been
completed during 2016-2022.
As a follow - up project, in the Phase-II of
Climate Adaptation in Vennar Sub Basin in
Cauvery Delta Project, with the loan assistance
of Asian Development Bank (ADB), the
Preliminary Project Report for works in 6 Rivers
viz., Vennar, Paminiyar, Koraiyar,
Kaduvaiyar, Marakkakoraiyar, Manankondanar
and 6 pumping schemes for an amount of
Rs.1,825 crore (US $ 250 Million) was sent to
the Department of Economic Affairs,
Government of India on 22.09.2021 by online
mode. Reply submitted for the Comments /
118
Observations of the Department of Economic
Affairs on 10.01.2022, 17.02.2022 and
21.09.2022 in the web portal and through email.
Approval of the Project is anticipated from the
Department of Economic Affairs. Continuous
action is being taken to furnish the additional
details required by the Central Water
Commission for obtaining the approval.
119
14.0. Centrally Sponsored Schemes
14.1. Repair, Renovation and Restoration
(RRR) of water bodies under Pradhan
Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
(PMKSY - HKKP)
Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR)
of Water bodies is being implemented under
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
- Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) as a Union
Government – State Government shared
Scheme.
Objective of the Scheme is
comprehensive improvement of selected water
bodies in water conservation including
catchment area treatment and its command area
development, increase in storage capacity of the
water bodies, ground water recharge, promotion
of conjunctive use of surface and ground water,
improvement in agricultural productivity and
increasing the availability of drinking water as
per requirement.
120
As per the new Guidelines of the PMKSY
effective from January 2022, the funding pattern
for Tamil Nadu is 60:40 (Union: State).
Phase I to IV
Under Phase-I, II, III & IV, 236 works at
an estimate cost of Rs.124.56 crore were
completed to benefit an ayacut of 23,843 acre.
Phase V, VI & VII
Under Phase-V, 9 tanks pertaining
to Dindigul District at an estimate cost of
Rs.4.17 crore are taken up and are in progress
to benefit an ayacut of 1865.40 acre.
Based on the Budget announcement
2021-2022, 115 tanks under Phase-VI and
85 tanks under Phase-VII are taken up for
implementation.
Under Phase-VI, 115 tanks pertaining to
Cuddalore (1), Dharmapuri (6), Kallakurichi (2),
Krishnagiri (4), Madurai (1), Pudukottai (27),
Ramanathapuram (10), Ranipet (3), Sivagangai
(24), Tenkasi (1), Theni (1), Tiruchirappalli (5),
Thiruvallur (3), Tiruvannamalai (4), Thoothukudi
(7), Vellore (9), Vilupuram (6), and
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Virudhunagar (1) Districts at an estimate cost
of Rs.71.89 crore are under various stage
of implementation to benefit an extent of
28,260 acre. So far, works in 3 tanks have been
completed. Works in the remaining 112 tanks
are under progress.
Under Phase-VII, 85 tanks pertaining to
Chengalpattu (6), Cuddalore (6), Kancheepuarm
(3), Pudukottai (25), Ranipet (8), Sivagangai
(30), Thiruvallur (2), Tiruvannamalai (1) &
Virudhunagar (4) Districts at an estimate cost of
Rs.90.08 crore are taken up for implementation
to benefit an extent of 24,505 acre. So far,
Works are under progress in 3 tanks. Action is
being taken to commence works in the
remaining 82 tanks.
Phase-VIII & IX
Under Phase-VIII, 100 tanks in
Dharmapuri (4), Kallakurichi (3), Krishnagiri (8),
Pudukkottai (30), Ramanathapuram (27),
Ranipet (4), Sivagangai (17), Thiruvallur (1) and
Tiruvannamalai (6) Districts at an estimated cost
of Rs.92.83 crore have been taken up to benefit
an extent of 20,902 acre.
122
Under Phase-IX, 100 tanks in Kallakurichi
(11), Ramanathapuram (39), Sivagangai (49)
and Virudhunagar (1) Districts at an estimated
cost of Rs.100.93 crore are proposed to be taken
up to benefit an extent of 15,517 acre.
The Government proposed to take
maximum number of tanks for implementation
in Phased manner under RRR Scheme in next
two years.
123
15.0. River Conservation Project
15.1. Chennai Rivers Restoration Works
I. Adyar River
During 2018, for restoring Adyar River
from Origin to Sea Mouth, 56 short-term
sub projects were taken up under Chennai
Rivers Restoration Trust Fund (CRRT) by
7 Departments for an amount of Rs.555.46
crore. For 7 Restoration works from
Thiruneermalai to Adyar mouth, an amount of
Rs.104.31 crore has been allotted to Water
Resources Department. Out of this, 5 works
(Reach-2 to 6) at an estimated cost of
Rs.73.13 crore have been completed.
For Reach-1 i.e. Widening and Desilting
the Adyar River from mouth to downstream of
Thiru Vi Ka Bridge (Chainage 0m to 1963m) in
Chennai District at an estimated cost of
Rs.21.63 crore, the Coastal Regulation Zone
(CRZ) clearance obtained and preliminary works
will be commenced soon.
For Reach-7 i.e. cut open the Adyar River
Mouth in Chennai at an estimated cost of
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Rs.9.55 crore, the CRZ clearance yet to be
received. The work will be taken up for
implementation on receipt of the Clearance.
II. Cooum River
Under Integrated Cooum River Eco
Restoration Project, 60 short-term sub projects
were taken up for an amount of Rs.604.77 crore
through Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust
(CRRT) funds. For 7 Restoration works from
Paruthipattu Anicut to confluence point for a
length of about 27 km, allotted to Water
Resources Department for an amount of
Rs.135.57 crore, 6 works (Reach 2 to 7) at an
estimated cost of Rs.79.93 crore were
completed.
For Reach-1 Cooum River mouth to
Napier Bridge (Chainage 0m – 700m for revised
estimated cost of Rs.70 crore) CRZ clearance
has been obtained on 15.09.2022. Preliminary
work is in progress.
III. Buckingham Canal
The Administrative Sanction has been
accorded for Comprehensive Restoration &
125
Rejuvenation of waterways and water bodies in
Greater Chennai City i.e., Buckingham Canal &
its associated drains and major drains draining
into Adyar & Cooum Rivers at a cost of
Rs.1,281.88 crore under Chennai River
Restoration Trust (CRRT). An amount of
Rs.1,014.28 crore has been allocated to Water
Resources Department. Detailed Project Report
for the works is under preparation.
iv. Demarcation of River Adyar, River
Cooum and Buckingham Canal
Boundaries.
Preparation of feasibility report at an
amount of Rs.3.87 crore for the work
Demarcation of Adyar, Cooum (Reach-I) and
Buckingham Canal Boundaries using Digital
Global Positioning System (DGPS) under
Chennai River Restoration Trust (CRRT) is in
progress.
Besides, the work of Demarcation of
Buckingham Canal boundaries at an amount of
Rs.11.93 crore approved by the Chennai River
Restoration Trust (CRRT) is under the
consideration.
126
15.2. Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery Project
Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery Project in
Tamil Nadu Reach is Massive Rejuvenation
programme for Cauvery and its Tributaries with
the prime objective to conserve, rejuvenate and
augment the water resources in Cauvery Basin
and to effectively curb sewerage pollutant has
been initiated in line with Namami Gange
Programme.
The Preliminary Project Report for
Rejuvenation of Cauvery and its tributaries
within Tamil Nadu - “Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery”
scheme for an amount of Rs.11,250 crore has
been submitted to Ministry of Jal Shakti, Union
Government for in-principle approval on
21.10.2019 and Union Government
communicated the observations on 10.02.2020.
The preparation of the Detailed Project
Report has been entrusted to M/S WAPCOS Ltd.
The Project has been proposed to be
implemented in two Phases viz., Phase-I in the
reaches from Mettur up to Tiruchirappalli and
127
Phase-II from Tiruchirappalli up to Confluence
with sea.
The Part 1 – Phase-I of the Detailed
Project Report for Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery
Project at an estimate cost of Rs.1,631.32 crore
has been submitted to Ministry of Jal Shakti,
Union Government on 20.11.2020 and also
requested funding for components eligible under
Union Government norms for an amount of
Rs.713.39 crore as a Special Programme.
The officials of National River
Conservation Directorate, Ministry of Jal Shakti
visited the project area of Nadanthai Vaazhi
Cauvery from 04.03.2022 to 07.03.2022 and
gave their suggestions for revision of Detailed
Project Report being prepared by M/s WAPCOS
Limited.
Based on the final discussions held with
National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD)
Team at New Delhi and discussed in the
Committee constituted by the Government
under the chairmanship of Additional Chief
Secretary, Water Resources Department, with
members from line Departments viz.,
128
Environment, Climate Change and Forest
Department, Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles
and Khadi Department, Municipal Administration
and Water Supply Department, Finance
Department and Member Secretary as Chief
Engineer, Water Resources Department, Trichy
Region for finalizing Detailed Project Report for
Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery project, the revised
DPR - Phase-I at an estimate cost of
Rs.3,090.75 crore, for the components Sewage
Management (Sewage Treatment Plant),
Riverfront Development Activities (RFD), River
Surface Cleaning, Solid Waste Management
(SWM), Cauvery Village - People Participation
and creating awareness, Rehabilitation &
Resettlement for High Risk area, Flood Prone
Zone and Intervention required area - Survey
component, Real Time Monitoring System
for ensure the water quality, Museum at Grand
Anicut (Kallanai) and for Bio-Diversity,
10 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs)
has been submitted to National River
Conservation Directorate, Government of India
for obtaining funds.
129
16.0. On-going Schemes (State Fund and
NABARD)
16.1. Creation of New Irrigation
Infrastructures
i. Formation of Reservoir across
Marudaiyaru River at an estimated cost of
Rs.149.40 crore to benefit an ayacut of
4,194 acre in Perambalur District.
ii. Construction of 3 Nos. of Tail End
regulators at an estimated cost of
Rs.65.848 crore for ground water
recharge and to prevent sea water
intrusion in Nagapattinam District.
iii. Construction of 2 Nos. of Regulators at an
estimated cost of Rs.12.71 crore to
benefit an ayacut of 428.68 acre in
Thoothukudi and Thiruvallur Districts.
iv. Construction of 8 Nos. of Anicuts at an
estimated cost of Rs.149.331 crore to
benefit an ayacut of 10,154.54 acre in,
Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Sivagangai
(4), Tenkasi and Tiruvannamalai
Districts.
130
v. Formation of 2 Nos. of New tanks at an
estimated cost of Rs.30.98 crore to
benefit an ayacut of 1,247 acre in Salem
and Tirunelveli Districts.
vi. Formation of Percolation pond and a
Checkdam at an estimated cost of
Rs.4.68 crore to benefit an ayacut of
535.77 acre in Theni District.
vii. Formation of New canals at an estimated
cost of Rs.383.23 crore to benefit an
ayacut of 13,189.80 acre in Dharmapuri
& Krishnagiri District (2- Enekol &
Aliyalam), Dharmapuri (Jerthalav),
Ramanathapuram (Kanjampatti
Odai),Tirunelveli (Barrel Kannadian
Channel) and Tenkasi (Ramanadhi –
Jamunadhi Link & Urmelalagiyan Tank)
Districts.
viii. Construction of 63 Nos. of Checkdams
at an estimated cost of Rs.360.056 crore
to benefit an ayacut of 25,379.13 acre
and for Ground water recharge in
Chengalpattu (1), Coimbatore (3),
131
Dindigul (12), Erode (3), Kancheepuram
(1), Kanniyakumari (1), Karur (1),
Krishnagiri (1), Madurai (2), Perambalur
(4), Ranipet (1), Salem (4), Sivagangai
(1), Tenkasi (1), Thanjavur (2) , Theni
(5), Tirupathur (2), Thiruvallur (3) ,
Tiruvannamalai (1), Thoothukudi (2),
Tiruchirappalli (3), Tiruppur (4), Vellore
(4) and Virudhunagar (1) Districts.
ix. Construction of Tail End Check dams at
confluence points of Thamirabarani
River with sea at an estimated cost of
Rs.46.14 crore to benefit an ayacut of
2,977.56 acre in Thoothukudi District.
x. Construction of 4 Nos. of Bed dams in
Thanjavur (3) and Tiruchirappalli (1)
Districts and a Grade wall in Thanjavur
District at an estimated cost of
Rs.32.10 crore for Ground water
recharge.
132
xi. Construction of 6 Nos. of Artificial
Recharge Structure (Sub surface Dyke)
across Palar River, Malattar River and
Cauvery River at an estimated cost of
Rs.106.83 crore in Ranipet, Thanjavur,
Tirupathur, Vellore (2) and Vilupuram
Districts.
xii. Construction of 2 Nos. of Dividing dams
at an estimated cost of Rs.4.16 crore to
benefit an ayacut of 1,800.912 acre in
Sivagangai and Tenkasi Districts.
xiii. Construction of 6 Nos. of Bridges at an
estimated cost of Rs.8.75 crore in
Coimbatore, Dindigul, Erode and
Virudhunagar Districts.
xiv. Construction of 17 Nos. of Buildings for
office and quarters at an estimated cost
of Rs.9.096 crore in Dharmapuri (1),
Dindigul (2), Erode (7), Madurai (1),
Ramanathapuram (1), Theni (2),
Tiruchirappalli (1), Tiruvannamalai (1)
and Tiruppur (1) Districts.
133
16.2. Rehabilitation of Irrigation
Infrastructure and systems
Rehabilitation of Reservoirs under
implementation - other than DRIP
i. Rehabilitation and Improvements works
in Mullai Periyar dam in Idukki District
in Kerala at an estimated cost of
Rs.21.99 crore.
ii. Rehabilitation & Improvements of dam
structures and Renewal of Hydro –
mechanical works in Kodaganar Dam
(Dindigul District), Manimukthanadhi
Dam (Kallakurichi District), Stanley
Reservoir (Salem) , Manjalar Dam (Theni
District), Shenbagathope Reservoir
(Tiruvannamalai District), Sathyamoorthy
Sagar Dam (Thiruvallur District)
Willingdon Reservoir (Cuddalore District),
Vidur Dam (Vilupuram District)
Parambikulam Dam (Palaghat District)
and Thunakadavu Dam (Palaghat District)
at an estimated cost of Rs.117.51 crore.
iii. Additional works such as Construction of
inlets, Drop cum Regulator etc., in
134
Kannankottai Thervoykandigai Reservoir
in Thiruvallur District at an estimated cost
of Rs.15.89 crore.
Other Rehabiliation structures under
implementation
iv. Rehabilitation of Kattalai Barrage in Karur
District at an estimated cost of
Rs.185.26 crore.
v. Rehabilitation and Improvements /
Renovation of 22 Nos. of Anicuts at an
estimated cost of Rs.52.64 crore in
Coimbatore (1), Dharmapuri (2), Dindigul
(4), Kallakurichi (1), Kanniyakumari (1)
Pudukottai (2), Ramanathapuram (2),
Sivagangai (1), Tiruchirappalli (1) and
Vilupuram (7) Districts.
vi. Strengthening the slipped and damaged
portions at various places of the
Kandaleru- Poondi canal between L.S.
3.88 km to 10.00 km at an estimated
cost of Rs.24.79 crore and strengthening
the damaged portions of the Krishna
Water Supply Project Feeder canal from
135
L.S. 14.285 km to LS 21.500 km at an
estimated cost of Rs.19.05 crore of the
Krishna Water Supply Project in
Thiruvallur District.
vii. Rehabilitation of 58 Village canal at an
estimated cost of Rs.3.12 crore to benefit
an ayacut of 3,962.57 acre in Theni,
Dindigul & Madurai
viii. Rehabilitation of the left out reaches
Contour Canal from L.S. 30.100 km to
49.300 km in at an estimated cost of
Rs.72.00 crore in Tiruppur District.
ix. Rehabilitation and Renovation of canal /
channel and its masonry structures
(44 works) at an estimated cost of
Rs.307.08 crore in Cuddalore (1),
Coimbatore (6), Dindigul (6), Erode (1),
Erode & Karur (1), Madurai (3), Karur
(2), Perambalur (1), Ramanathapuram
(2), Krishnagiri (2), Palaghat (1),
Pudukottai (1), Sivagangai (2), Theni (1),
Thoothukudi (1), Tiruvarur (1), Tiruppur
(6), Tiruchirappalli (2), Tiruvannamalai
136
(1), Vilupuram and Cuddalore (1)
Vilupuram (2) Districts
x. Rehabilitation of roads / bridges /
causeway (5 works) at an estimated cost
of Rs.24.59 crore in Coimbatore,
Dindigul, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and
Vellore District.
xi. Improvements to park in Andiyappanur
Odai Reservoir at an estimated cost of
Rs.4.674 crore in Vellore District.
xii. Rehabilitation of buildings (6 works) at an
estimated cost of Rs.2.35 crore in
Coimbatore (3), Idukki (1), Tirunelveli
(1) and Thiruvallur (1) Districts
xiii. Standardisation / Rehabilitation /
Renovation / Restoration of Rivers
(9 works) at an estimated cost of
Rs.45.43 crore in Cuddalore (1),
Perambalur (1), Salem (1), Tiruchirappalli
(1), Tirupathur (1), Thiruvallur (1),
Vellore (1) and Virudhunagar (2) Districts
137
Rehabilitation / Renovation of Tanks
(other than RRR scheme and
TNIAMP)
xiv. Rehabilitation of 9 tanks viz.,
Korattur, Kovilambakkam, S.Kolathur,
Medavakkam, Perungudi, Sithalapakkam,
Jalladaiyanpettai, Narayanapuram and
Nemilichery Tanks at an estimated cost of
Rs.14.07 crore in Chennai District.
xv. Capacity addition by deepening,
strengthening of the bund and
remodeling of the spillways of the
Maduranthagam Tank at an estimated
cost of Rs.120.24 crore to benefit an
ayacut of 2,853 acre in Chengalpattu
District.
xvi. Rehabilitation and improvements of
14 tanks at an estimated cost of
Rs.90.03 crore in Chengalpattu District
xvii. Rehabilitation and improvements of
6 tanks viz., Chembarambakkam,
Somangalam, Malaipattu, Athenjeri,
Vallimalai and Mutharsikuppam tanks at
138
an estimated cost of Rs.6.36 crore in
Kancheepuram District
xviii. Rehabilitation and improvements to
79 tanks and ponds under the scheme of
Providing Surplus water of the Mettur
Reservoir by lift irrigation at an estimated
cost of Rs.42.10 crore in Salem District.
xix. Restoration / Rehabilitation of 42 Ex
Zamin Tanks at an estimated cost of
Rs.24.14 crore in Sivagangai District.
xx. Reclaiming Kazhuveli tank for storage of
fresh water and sea water intrusion
control measures and recharge shaft
Well/ Shafts at an estimated cost of
Rs.161.00 crore to benefit an ayacut of
3000 acre in Vilupuram District
xxi. Rehabilitation of 102 tanks at an
estimated cost of Rs.244.77 crore in
Cuddalore(2) , Dindigul(3), Madurai (3),
Namakkal (Koneripatti eri), Pudukottai
(14), Ramanathapuram (15), Ranipet
(Kaveripakkam), Sivagangai (16),
Tenkasi (4), Thanjavur (16), Theni
139
(Periyakulam), Thoothukudi (Eppodum
Vendran), Tiruppur (10), Tiruchirappalli
(10), Vellore (Twin Tanks -
Tharapadavedu & Kalinjur) and
Virudhunagar (3) Districts .
140
17.0. Flood Mitigation Works
Chennai and its surrounding districts
Long term flood mitigation works in the
very high vulnerable areas of Chennai,
Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram & Thiruvallur
Districts in Araniyar, Kosasthalaiyar, Cooum,
Adyar and Kovalam Sub Basins in two phases
have been taken up for implementation.
Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Works-
2022-2023
The Government have accorded Sanction
for Rs.250 crore to carry out 8 flood mitigation
works for widening of Adyar and Kosasthalaiyar
Rivers and improvements of water ways and
formation of Drains for protecting the highly
flood vulnerable areas in Varatharajapuram, Old
Perungulathur, Mudichur, Pallikaranai,
Rayappanagar, Nandhivaram-Guduvanchery,
Manali, Vellivoiyal, Kolathur and Madhavaram in
Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram
Districts.
141
Estimate
Sl. Amount Percentage
Name of Work
No. (Rs. in of Work
crore)
1 Widening of Adyar
River from
Chembarambakkam
Surplus Course
Confluence Point to 70.00 70%
Anakaputhur Bridge
in Kundrathur Taluk
of Kancheepuram
District.
2 Improvement to
Porur Tank Surplus
Course and Regulator
Arrangements in 34.00 88%
Porur Tank in
Kancheepuram
District.
3 Providing additional
Box culverts at NHAI
Bypass by Push
through Method in 9.70 60%
Kundrathur Taluk of
Kancheepuram
District
142
Estimate
Sl. Amount Percentage
Name of Work
No. (Rs. in of Work
crore)
4 Construction of new
cut and cover
channel from
Thanthikal Channel
to Porur surplus
16.70 91%
course,
Koluthuvancheri road
in Kundrathur Taluk
of Kancheepuram
District.
5 Construction of new
sluice and cut and
cover from Porur
tank to Ramapuram 39.60 70%
tank in Alanthur
Taluk of Chennai
District.
6 Restoration and
reformation of River
Bund and
regradation of river
15.00 70%
bed in
Kosasthalaiyar River
right bank from L.S.
125.60 km to
143
Estimate
Sl. Amount Percentage
Name of Work
No. (Rs. in of Work
crore)
126.60 km in
Vellivoyal Village,
Ponneri taluk of
Thiruvallur District
and L.S.128.00km to
L.S.132.00Km in
Edayanchavadi and
Sadayankuppam
Villages at Manali
New Town and in
Kosasthalaiyar River
Left Bank from
L.S.128.00km to
L.S.130.00Km at
Edayanchavadi
Village in
Thiruvotriyur Taluk in
Chennai District.
7 Restoration of bank
and deepening of
existing tank bed and
improvements to its
7.30 35%
surplus course of
Kolathur tank in
Aynavaram Taluk of
Chennai District.
144
Estimate
Sl. Amount Percentage
Name of Work
No. (Rs. in of Work
crore)
8 Formation of Cut &
Cover Macro Drain
from Pallikaranai
Anai Eri to
57.70 45%
Pallikaranai Swamp
in Sholinganalllur
Taluk of Chennai
District.
The Government have accorded Sanction
for Rs.184.22 crore to carry out 4 Flood
Mitigation works in highly flood vulnerable areas
in Chennai and Chengalpattu Districts.
Estimate
Sl. Amount Percentage
Name of Work
No. (Rs. in of Work
crore)
I Main Work
Providing Emergency Network of flood carrier
channel between Ottiyambakkam Channel and
Madurapakkam Drain to Pallikaranai Swamp in
Semmenchery and Perumpakkam Area in
Chennai and Chengalpattu Districts.
145
Estimate
Sl. Amount Percentage
Name of Work
No. (Rs. in of Work
crore)
1 Slice A –
Providing Emergency
network of flood
carrier Macro drain
from Madurapakkam
Odai through DLF 21.70 80%
Campus road at L.S.
0m to L.S.500m in
Vandaloor Taluk of
Chengalpattu
District.
2 Slice B –
Providing Emergency
network of flood
carrier Macro drain
from Madurapakkam
Odai through DLF 26.50 77%
Campus road at L.S.
500m to L.S.970m in
Vandaloor Taluk of
Chengalpattu
District.
3 Slice - C
Construction of Cut
and Cover Macro 24.00 88%
Drain- From
Madurapakkam Odai
to Existing Channel
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Estimate
Sl. Amount Percentage
Name of Work
No. (Rs. in of Work
crore)
(Northern Side of
DLF) and
Construction of
Retaining wall on
both side of open
channel at Northern
side of DLF from LS
0m - 600m in
Tambaram Taluk of
Chengalpattu
District.
4 Slice D -
Construction of
Retaining Wall at
both side of existing
drain in
Perumbakkam and
24.30 90%
Semmanchery
village in Tambaram
and Sholinganallur
Taluk of
Chengalpattu and
Chennai District.
II Main Work:
Providing macro drain cut & cover for missing
link of Ottiyambakkam Tank to Arasankalani
Tank and link to Pallikkaranai swamp in
Tambaram Taluk of Chengalpattu District.
147
Estimate
Sl. Amount Percentage
Name of Work
No. (Rs. in of Work
crore)
5 Slice - A
Construction of Cut
& Cover Macro Drain
from Arasankalani
Velanthangal Tank to 29.00 84%
Swamp in Tambaram
Taluk of
Chengalpattu
District.
6 Slice - B
Construction of Cut
& Cover Macro Drain
from Ottiyambakkam
Surplus course
Missing link to 39.82 75%
Arasankalani
velanthangal Tank in
Tambaram Taluk of
Chengalpattu
District.
7 Standardisation of
Okkiyum Maduvu by
dredging and
regrading of existing
5.00 83%
drain up to
Buckingham canal
near KCG College of
Technology premises
148
Estimate
Sl. Amount Percentage
Name of Work
No. (Rs. in of Work
crore)
in Sholinganallur
Taluk of Chennai
District.
8 Modernisation of
Link channel
between
Adambakkam tank to 13.90 96%
VeerangalOdai in
Alandur Taluk of
Chennai District.
Other Works
Providing Emergency Flood Relief (By
constructing flood mitigation structures) to the
people residing in and around the flood plain of
Adyar River near Tambaram in Kancheepuram
and Chengalpattu Districts at an estimated cost
of Rs.70.05 crore is in progress and 78% of
works were completed
Kanniyakumari District
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
visited Flood damaged areas of Kanniyakumari
District on 15.11.2021, which was affected by
North East monsoon during the year 2021 and
149
he had instructed the concerned officials to
restore the flood damages in war footing basis.
Based on the instructions, temporary restoration
works have been carried out at an estimated
cost of Rs.8.82 crore in 250 locations.
Further, the Hon’ble Chief Minister has
visited temporary restoration works on
07.03.2022 which were completed in
Kanniyakumari District and instructed to carry
out Permanent restoration works.
Based on the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s
instructions and Hon’ble Minister’s
Announcement on the floor of Legislative
Assembly, the Government have accorded
sanction for 325 Permanent Restoration works of
Flood Damages in Kodayar system of
Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli Districts, at an
estimated cost of Rs.70 crore.
Out of 325 works, 316 works at an
estimate cost of Rs.67.85 crore in
Kanniyakumari District and 9 works in Tirunelveli
District at an estimate cost of Rs.2.15 crore are
taken up for implementation. Preliminary works
are in progress.
150
18.0. Other activities
18.1. Removal of Seemai Karuvel (Prosopis
juliflora) Trees in water bodies
The Hon’ble High Court of Madras in its
Order dated 28.04.2017 in W.P.No.10614 of
2017 has directed that the matter has been
referred to a Larger Bench. No further action
shall be taken by the official with regard to
removal of “Seemai Karuvelam” trees, until
further orders of the Larger Bench.
The Government, vide G.O. (D) No.
121, Environment and Forests (FR.14)
Department, dated 10.05.2017, constituted a
Committee with the Principal Chief Conservator
of Forests as the Chairman to undertake a
comprehensive scientific study on Seemai
Karuvel trees with regard to its ill effects on
environment as well as the utility of the tree, if
any, and offer recommendation and submit a
detailed report within a period of 3 months.
Further, in the above case in Order dated
11.05.2017 it has been directed to expand the
Committee by including 4 more Experts as
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Members to make scientific study on the ill-
effects of the Seemai Karuvel Trees as well as
the utility thereof and submit an interim
report within 45 days. Based on the above
directions, orders have been issued in G.O. (D).
No.135, Environment and Forests (FR.14)
Department, Dated 23.05.2017.
Based on the report of the Committee,
the Hon’ble High Court of Madras in its orders
dated 28.07.2017, has directed to work out a
plan to implement the removal of Seemai
Karuvel trees across the water bodies of the
State in a phased manner in order to facilitate
free flow of water and also plant the alternate
species, so as to avoid ecological imbalance.
Total extent of Seemai Karuvel
Trees in water bodies of the Water
Resources Department was assessed as
1,93,130.63 Hectare. Out of which, Seemai
Karuvel Trees have been removed in
74,389 Hectare. Water Resources Department is
taking continuous efforts in removing the
Seemai Karuvel trees to restore the storage
capacity of water bodies.
152
18.2. Free Issue of Vandal
The storage capacity of water bodies in
the State has considerably reduced due to silting
up over a period of time. Restoration of the lost
capacity of the water bodies can be achieved by
allowing the farmers to take silt from the water
bodies at free of cost to the requirement. Both
the restoration of the tank capacity and the
desilted sediments would be beneficial to the
farmers.
Accordingly, Amendment to Rule 12 (2)
and 12 (2-A) (a) of the Tamil Nadu Minor
Minerals Concession Rules, 1959 have been
made in G.O. (Ms) No. 50, Industries (MMC-I)
Department, dated 27.04.2017 and G.O. (Ms)
No. 244, Industries, Investment Promotion and
Commerce (MMC-I) Department, dated
14.12.2022, which allows potters, public and
farmers of Tamil Nadu to take clay, silt, savudu
and gravel from beds of Tanks, Channels and
Reservoirs at free of cost, for pottery, domestic
and agricultural purposes. According to this,
clay, silt, savudu and gravel can be taken from
the water bodies, such as Tank beds, Channels
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and Reservoirs, notified in the District Gazette,
in their Villages or adjoining Villages for the
above purposes after obtaining prior permission
from the concerned District Administration.
The quantity of silt and clay allowed for
agricultural purposes shall not exceed 75 cubic
metre per acre for wetlands and 90 cubic metre
per acre for dry lands, once in 2 years. The
quantity of earth, savudu and gravel for
domestic purposes shall not exceed 30 cubic
metre. The quantity of clay proposed to be
removed for pottery shall not exceed 60 cubic
meter.
18.3. Sand Quarry & Imported Sand
Sand Quarry
Since 2003, Water Resources Department
has been vested with the authority to quarry and
sell river sand to the Public in the State of Tamil
Nadu. From 2017-2018 Mining and Monitoring
Circle at Chennai and five Mining and Monitoring
Divisions at Vilupuram, Chennai, Tiruchirappalli,
Thanjavur and Madurai are functioning
154
exclusively to streamline the sand quarrying
operations across the State.
Since July 2017, several reformatory
measures have been introduced in sand
quarrying operations in compliance with the
“Sustainable Sand Mining Management
Guidelines, 2016”. Online system of booking of
sand and online mode of payment through web
portal (www.tnsand.in) and Mobile Application
(TNsand app) have been introduced and under
implementation from July 2017.
In G.O. (Ms) No.4, Water Resources
(I.Spl-2) Department Dated, 06.01.2022, the
Government introduced new measures to give
importance to hassle free sand booking by the
general public.
The existing Information Technology
enabled web / mobile application has been
updated and preference given to the general
public in sand booking, based on the approved
building plan and sand is being sold.
155
Imported Sand
The Government have ordered that the
sale of ordinary sand imported from other
countries or brought from other States / Union
Territories for construction purposes, shall be
done only by the Water Resources Department
of the State Government. Necessary amendment
has been made in Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral
Concession Rules, 1959 by including a new Rule,
‘Rule 38 D’ to deal exclusively with ‘Import of
sand for construction purposes’ on 10.04.2018.
The Government have accorded
permission for Water Resources Department to
import approximately 5 lakh Metric Tonnes per
month of Natural River Sand for a period of
2 years for construction purposes in the State
through the three Ports in Tamil Nadu viz.
Kamarajar Port Limited, Ennore, Kattupalli Port,
Kattupalli and V.O.Chidambaranar Port,
Thoothukudi.
Natural river sand imported from
Malaysia is sold to the consumers by the Water
Resources Department from Kamarajar Port
Limited, Ennore and Kattupalli Port, Kattupalli
through online booking. Sand imported through
9 vessels has been sold to the public.
156
19.0. Organisational Arrangements
The Government on 07.06.2021 have
established independent Water Resources
Department detaching from the Public Works
Department to study the cause and impact of
recent natural calamities including floods,
drought etc., and focus on relief and remedial
measures and to implement suitable Schemes to
augment the available water and assure
continuous irrigation for Agriculture.
The Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources
Department monitors and coordinates the
functions of 11 Chief Engineers and acts as the
Technical Head of the Department.
The Water Resources Department
functions on the River Basin framework. The
Water Resources Department has been divided
into 4 Regions, each headed by a Chief
Engineer, located in Chennai, Trichy, Madurai
and Coimbatore. These Regional Chief Engineers
are the Basin Managers for the defined basin
boundaries in their jurisdiction.
157
In addition, there are 7 functional wings
and 2 special wings as indicated below:-
Functional Wings
1. Plan Formulation
2. Design Research and Construction
Support
3. Operation and Maintenance
4. State Ground and Surface Water
Resources Data Centre
5. Institute for Water Studies, Hydrology
and Quality Control
6. Irrigation Management Training
Institute
7. State Water Resources Management
Agency
Special Wings
1. Cauvery Technical Cell cum Inter-
State Waters Wing
2. Tamil Nadu Water Resources
Conservation and Rivers Restoration
Corporation Ltd.
158
19.1. Activities of Functional Wings of
Water Resources Department
19.1.1. Plan Formulation
The Plan Formulation wing plays a vital
role in the development and augmentation of
water resources in the State. Pre-feasibility
studies through investigations are being
conducted in order to formulate and develop
Major, Medium, and Minor Irrigation Schemes,
River Inter-Linking Schemes, etc., For
technically feasible schemes Detailed Project
Report are being prepared. This wing
recommends detailed estimates to the
Government for the works proposed by the
Regional Chief Engineers, as required.
In addition, this wing acts as a Nodal
Agency to obtain funds under National
Agricultural Bank for Rural Development
(NABARD), National Agriculture Development
Programme (NADP), Pradhan Mantri Krishi
Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) etc.
Furthermore, environmental activities
related to TNIAMP and State funded schemes
159
are also being carried out by the three
Environmental Cell divisions, functioning under
the control of the Superintending Engineer, Plan
Formulation Circle, Salem.
19.1.2. Design Research and Construction
Support
Design Research and Construction
Support wing acts as a Nodal Agency for the
following schemes: -
● Repair, Renovation and Restoration of
water bodies
● Desilting of Dams in the State
● Coastal Protection Works under
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
Project
The Design Circle functioning under this
wing evolves design and drawings for irrigation
structures such as Reservoir, Canal, Tank,
Anicut, Regulator, Check Dam etc. Design Circle
also recommends necessary remedial measures
for the problems like cracks, seepage, leakage,
160
distress etc. that may occur in the irrigation
structures.
The Soil Mechanics & Research Division
functioning under this wing acts as a Central
Quality Control Laboratory at Chennai
conducting Field and Laboratory tests for soil,
concrete and construction materials.
The Institute of Hydraulics and Hydrology
established in 1944 at Poondi engaged in
carrying out Basic Research for Irrigation and
Model studies in the field of Hydraulics,
Hydrology, Coastal Engineering in addition to
Monitoring of shore line oscillations of certain
selected points along the East and Western coast
of Tamil Nadu. Also carries out Sedimentation
studies in selected Reservoirs / Tanks for
arriving at up-to-date reduction in capacity due
to sedimentation, assess the useful life of
reservoirs and to suggest the remedial
watershed management measures that can be
taken up in order to reduce the entry of
sediments into reservoirs from the watershed.
161
19.1.3. Operation and Maintenance
The Operation and Maintenance wing
collects and compiles water level data of
15 Major Reservoirs, 6 Drinking water Reservoirs
for Chennai city in the State, and 4 Reservoirs of
Karnataka in the Cauvery Basin and Daily flow
data at Billigundulu Gauge and Discharge Station
of Central Water Commission and furnishes
report to the Government on daily basis.
A Hydrometric data cell functions
systematically round the clock during the North
East Monsoon period for monitoring the daily
water level of all the Dams / Reservoirs of the
State and coordinates with State Emergency
Operation Centre.
The Operation and Maintenance wing
headed by Chief Engineer functions with the
following 3 circles:-
i) The Public Works Workshop & Stores
procures new vehicles, condemns old
vehicles, unserviceable machineries,
obsolete spares of various
machineries. Further, preparing
162
estimates for Hydro Mechanical
components and scrutinizing shutter
estimates received from the Regional
offices.
ii) The State Project Management Unit
under this Wing is a Nodal Agency for
implementation of the World Bank
assisted Dam Rehabilitation and
Improvement Project.
iii) Periodical monsoon inspection of
Dams is carried out and reports are
compiled by the Dam Safety
Directorate under the control of this
wing. The consolidated Health Status
Report for all the Dams (Annual
Consolidated Report) based on the
pre-monsoon and post-monsoon
inspections are prepared and sent to
the Central Water Commission.
Dam Safety Organization
The Dam Safety Act, 2021 has been
notified by the Union Government on
14.12.2021 and its provisions have come into
163
force with effect from 30.12.2021 vide
notification dated 28.12.2021. The Act provides
for surveillance, Inspection, Operation &
Maintenance of specified dams for prevention of
dam failure related disasters and to provide for
institutional mechanism to ensure their safe
functioning and for matters connected therewith.
The Dam Safety Act, 2021 contains the
following:-
a) National Committee on Dam Safety
(NCDS)
b) National Dam Safety Authority
(NDSA)
c) State Committee on Dam Safety
(SCDS)
d) State Dam Safety Organisation
(SDSO)
Implementation of Dam Safety Act, 2021 in
Tamil Nadu is as follows:-
To implement the Dam Safety Act,
2021 in the State, the Government of Tamil
Nadu have issued notification for the
Constitution of State Committee on Dam Safety
164
(SCDS) and State Dam Safety Organisation
(SDSO) in G.O. (Ms) No.56, Water Resources
(WR-2) Department dated 30.06.2022.
National Committee on Dam Safety
(NCDS):-
The Chief Engineer, Operation and
Maintenance is the member of the National
Committee on Dam safety under the
Chairmanship of the Chairman, Central Water
Commission which reviews the activities of the
State Dam Safety Organisation in the State.
The National Committee on Dam safety
meets twice in a year. This committee will form
or evolve policies and recommend regulations
regarding dam safety standards.
National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)
The Union Government had established
an Authority known as National Dam Safety
Authority with 6 members for standardising
safety-related data and practices with State-
Level dam safety organisations and owners of
dams.
165
National Dam Safety Authority will
implement the policies and provide technical
assistance to State Dam Safety Organisations
(SDSOs), resolving matters between SDSOs of
States or between a SDSO and any dam owner
in that State.
State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS)
The State Committee on Dam Safety
(SCDS) has already been constituted in the
name of State Dam Safety Committee (SDSC) to
monitor the safety aspects of all the dams in the
State in G.O (Ms) No. 261 Public Works
Department, dated 18.02.1991 and
reconstituted in G.O. (Ms) No. 375, Public Works
(WR-2) Department, dated 30.06.1997 with
14 members.
State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS)
has been reconstituted as per Dam Safety Act,
2021 in G.O. (Ms) No.56, Water Resources
(WR-2) Department, dated 30.06.2022. This
Committee shall meet twice in a year and one
meeting shall be held before the onset of
monsoon. The Committee has to be
reconstituted for every 3 years thereafter.
166
State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO)
State Dam Safety Organisation is
functioning in the name of Dam Safety
Directorate (DSD) and is headed by
Superintending Engineer and Director, which is
under the control of the Chief Engineer, Water
Resources Department, Operation and
Maintenance.
19.1.4. State Ground and Surface Water
Resources Data Centre
This Wing investigates and assesses the
Ground water potential, surface water and water
quality of the State periodically by maintaining
and observing the State – wide monitoring
network.
The following works are carried out by
this wing for the purpose of Planning,
Development and Management of Ground water
resources of the State of Tamil Nadu:-
❖ Groundwater investigation and
periodic Assessment of Ground water
potential for the State by Scientific
methods.
167
❖ Continuous monitoring of
Hydrological, Hydro meteorological
and Water quality of Ground Water.
❖ Monitor, Collect, process, analyse and
consolidate the Ground Water level
and Quality Data and Surface water
details to evaluate the condition for
development. In order to get more
realistic and accurate Ground Water
Level data, 386 Digital Water Level
recorders (DWLR) have been installed
across the State.
❖ Develop a suitable plan for judicial
development and optimal utilization of
Ground Water.
❖ Protecting Ground Water resources
against over exploitation and quality
deterioration by proper management
techniques.
❖ Improving Ground Water storage
through construction of various types
of artificial recharge structures and
168
Rain water harvesting structures
wherever possible.
❖ Consultancy services to Public,
Agriculturalists, Government
Departments and Private sector for
selection of suitable site for sinking of
bore wells / dug wells on cost basis.
❖ Issuing Ground water clearance (No
Objection Certificate) for water based
and non – water based Industries in
safe and semi – critical firkas of the
State.
❖ Special studies for monitoring sea
water intrusion into fresh water
aquifer along the 1,076 km coastline
of the State.
❖ Render assistance for formulation of
National and State water policies.
This Wing is the Implementing Agency for
implementation of World Bank assisted National
Hydrology Project.
169
Jal Shakti Abhiyan
The Chief Engineer, State Ground and
Surface Water Resources Data Centre is the co-
ordinating officer of the State for Jal Shakti
Abhiyan.
National Water Mission
This wing prepares the report for National
Water Mission.
The Main objective of the National Water
Mission is conservation of Water, minimizing
wastage and ensuring its more equitable
distribution both across and within states
through integrated water resources development
and management.
The State Ground and Surface Water
Resources Data Centre wing of the Water
Resources Department was assigned with the
task of preparation of the following reports.
1. Status report on Water Resources
2. Interim Report
3. State Specific Action Plan
170
In this connection, the Ministry of Water
Resources allotted Rs.50 lakhs to Tamil Nadu for
preparation of the above reports.
The Status report on Water Resources
was approved in the Monitoring Committee and
the State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) by
the Chief Secretary to Government on
20.02.2020 and has been submitted to National
Water Mission, New Delhi on 21.12.2020.
Now the State Specific Action Plan (SSAP)
is marked as a Central Nodal Agencies (CNA)
scheme on 01.12.2022 and hence the unspent
amount of Rs.1,15,980/- has been transferred to
CNA’s account. The utilization certificate for the
expenditure incurred of Rs.18,84,020/- has been
submitted to the funding agency, the North
Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land
Management (NERIWALM), Assam and the State
Government.
19.1.5. Institute for Water Studies,
Hydrology and Quality Control
The Government of Tamil Nadu
established this Institute for Water Studies to
171
plan assess and manage the Water Resources of
Tamil Nadu in the year 1974. In the year 2018,
the Quality Control Divisions have been attached
with this Institute and renamed as Institute for
Water Studies, Hydrology & Quality Control.
The Institute for Water Studies,
Hydrology & Quality Control operates a remote
sensing centre, which oversees the terrestrial
water resources of the River- Basins and their
associated geographical data through satellite-
based maps and plans to report their details to
the line departments.
The Institute for water studies, Hydrology
& Quality Control is engaged in the task of
evaluating the water resources in the river
basins of Tamil Nadu on the basis of scientifically
sophisticated research, planning and
management for future needs.
During this year 2022-2023, research
works are being carried out on the micro level
re-evaluation and study preparation required for
water resources management and planning in
the Chennai Basin. Research is also carried out
172
identification of the bottle necks causing flooding
in the Adyar River.
Technical Library functions under the
Institute for Water Studies, Hydrology & Quality
Control. The library is useful of conducting
technical research studies and for higher
education students.
Four quality control divisions are
functioning with headquarters at Chennai,
Tiruchirapalli, Madurai and Coimbatore for
checking the quality of works executed by the
Water Resources Department.
19.1.6. State Water Resources Management
Agency (SWaRMA)
The Government established on
13.04.2009 of State Water Resources
Management Agency (SWaRMA) as a State wide
Focal Agency for environmentally and socially
sustainable inter sectorial water management.
The functions of this wing are as follows:-
The SWaRMA had developed the web
enabled “Tamil Nadu Water Resources
Information System” (TNWRIS), to
173
aid efficient Integrated Water
Resources Management and
regulation.
Conducting and Preparing of Water
Audit Study Report for “Gomukhi
Nadhi Reservoir Project” to evaluate
the System Performance.
Developing of Decision
Implementation Support for Basins
and Assessment of Surface water
potential for River Basins.
Developing Reservoir Flood Modeling
Capacity Building for WRD Engineers
by Conducting Trainings, Workshops,
Meetings, Seminars etc.,
19.1.7. Irrigation Management Training
Institute (IMTI)
The Irrigation Management Training
Institute was registered as a Society in the year
1984 under the Tamil Nadu Society Registration
Act, 1975.
174
The functioning of this Institute is guided
by the Governing Council with the Additional
Chief Secretary to Government, Water
Resources Department, Government of Tamil
Nadu as its Chairman and 12 Senior Level
Officers from the various departments (inclusive
of the Secretaries of Finance, Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare, Co-operation, Food and
Consumer Protection Department) as its
members. This institute is headed by Director
General, who is in the rank of Chief Engineer of
Water Resources Department and Faculty
Members from Water Resources Department,
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Engineering Department and Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatore on
deputation basis.
The goal of the institute is to impart
training programmes to increase the agricultural
Production through improving efficiency of the
irrigation systems and improving productivity of
water delivered for irrigation to achieve higher
productivity with optimum water use.
175
Imparting training programmes are given
to the officers of Water Resources Department,
Department of Agriculture and Agricultural
Engineering Department and to farmers for
better water management in order to improve
their knowledge and skill. Induction training
program for newly recruited Assistant Engineers
(2014-20) of Water Resources Department is
planned to be conducted in 2 phases. The
Phase-I of Induction Training Programme has
been conducted for the newly recruited Assistant
Engineers (2014-2020) of WRD in 8 Batches. In
the Financial year 2023-2024, Phase-II of the
Induction Training Programme for newly
recruited Assistant Engineers (2014-2020) of
Water Resources Department has been
scheduled to be conducted in eight batches.
Follow up Training Programme on Participatory
Irrigation Management for Competent
Authorities of Water Resources Department
under Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture
Modernization Project are being conducted.
Conducting various training programmes
to the officers and field officials of Water
176
Resources Department on Irrigation
Management, Ground Water Development &
Management, Quality Control and Quality
Assurance of construction materials.
Participatory Irrigation Management and
computer applications such as AutoCAD, GIS,
SWAT, Ms – Project etc.,
Unique courses like Total Station,
Disaster Management, Flood and Drought
Management, Coastal Hydrology and Prevention
of Sea Water Intrusion, Dam Safety and
Instrumentation, Capacity Building Training
Programmes for Secretariat Water Resources
Department Officials and Refresher Training
Course for Pre-retiring Officials of Multi-
Disciplinary Departments etc., are conducted by
this Institute.
Apart from regular training programmes,
IMTI is conducting one month Induction Training
Programme for the newly recruited Assistant
Engineers of Water Resources Department in
2 Phases and various study tour programmes to
on–going Intra- State and Inter – State projects.
177
A wide range of farmers’ training
programmes such as Organic Input Preparation
for Improved Cultivation Strategies, Cultivation
of Traditional Crop, Pest Management,
Gardening Recycling & Composting Techniques,
Integrated Farming System and Crop
Management Water Saving Techniques, Bio-flock
Fish Farming, Post-Harvest Techniques Soil and
Water Management Strategies etc., are also
organized by this Institute.
During this Financial Year 2022-2023
109 Nos. of training programmes were
conducted and about 3,477 participants
(Officials of Water Resources Department,
Department of Agriculture and Agriculture
Engineering Department and Farmers) were
benefitted.
19.2. Activities of Special Wings of Water
Resources Department
19.2.1. Cauvery Technical Cell cum Inter –
State Waters Wing
The Cauvery Technical Cell cum Inter –
State Waters Wing is assisting the Government
in dealing with all the Inter – State Water
178
sharing disputes / issues. This Wing has been
functioning since 1990 and provides all Technical
inputs / data / information required to file
Petitions in the Water Disputes Tribunal /
Supreme Court and participates in the periodic
meeting of the River Water Management
Authority, Regulation Committee of Inter State
River basin in which Tamil Nadu is a riparian
State or stakeholder. This Wing is also dealing
with Bills / Acts, Rules and policies related to
Water Resources proposed by Union
Government and schemes for Inter-linking of
Inter-State Rivers and participates in various
Committees of the Union Government on these
subjects and with the Union Government
departments / agencies, viz., National Water
Development Agency (NWDA) and Central Water
Commission (CWC), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Union
Government, etc. This wing prepares reports on
the water resource development of the State.
Some of the important issues handled by
this Wing are Sharing of Cauvery waters,
establishing the rights of the State in the Mullai
Periyar Dam, obtaining the rightful share of
179
waters from the Parambikulam Aliyar Project
(PAP), defending the rights of the State in
Neyyar River water sharing, Pennaiyar River
water, Shenbagavalli issue and Palar River water
issues. This wing prepares the affidavits,
documents, statements, and maps required for
cases pending before the Supreme Court and
the High Courts in consultation with the Tamil
Nadu Counsel and submits to the Government.
Further, issues relating to the Schemes such as
Godavari – Cauvery Link, Pamba – Achankoil –
Vaippar link and Pandiyar – Punnampuzha
Scheme are also dealt with by this wing.
19.2.2. Tamil Nadu Water Resources
Conservation and Rivers Restoration
Corporation Limited
The Tamil Nadu Water Resources
Conservation and Rivers Restoration Corporation
Limited has been registered with the Registrar of
Corporate Companies, Chennai and incorporated
with effect from 25.12.2019. The main objective
of the Corporation is to promote water
conservation, reclamation of Lakes, Rivers and
modernize the existing irrigation Infrastructures.
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The Corporation will also focus on
interconnecting flood Surplus Canals and
interlinking of Rivers and River basins.
Promotion of climate resilient Infrastructure with
special emphasis on prevention of sea water
intrusion, wetland conservation and flood
mitigation will be the other priority areas for the
Corporation. The Corporation will also promote
convergence of different activities to fulfil the
objectives of the water mission launched by the
Government. The Corporation is headed by
Chairman cum Managing Director under the
administrative control of the Water Resources
Department.
An action plan to implement 21 new
Projects at an estimated cost of
Rs.7144.55 crore has been approved by the
Board of Directors in the 14th Board of Directors
Meeting of TNWRCRRC held on 24.01.2023. The
above Action Plan is being prepared based on
the directions of the Government of Tamil Nadu
vide Additional Chief Secretary to Government,
Finance Department D.O. Letter No.5792 /
Finance (BPE) Department, dated 12.02.2022.
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A Letter of Intent (LoI) for Strengthening
sustainable water resource management
through bilateral cooperation has been signed
between the Deputy Director General, Danish
Environmental Protection Agency under the
Ministry of Environment, Government of
Denmark and the Chairman and Managing
Director (FAC), Tamil Nadu Water Resources
Conservation and Rivers Restoration
Corporation, Chennai by email and has been
exchanged on 01.03.2023.
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20.0. Creation of Digital Data Base - Pilot
Scheme
20.1. Tamil Nadu Water Resources
Information and Management
System (TNWRIMS)
The Government have accorded sanction
for Implementation of Tamil Nadu Water
Resources Information and Management
System (TNWRIMS) at an estimated cost of
Rs.30.00 crore under loan assistance of
NABARD. The Government have also formed (i)
An Apex Committee, (ii) Executive Committee
and (iii) an Expert Committee to review, to
coordinate and to guide for implementation. The
objective is to collect and collate all the existing
data from various stakeholders for creation of a
Portal. After formation, this portal should serve
as single source of truth for water related
database for formulation of future proposal from
any stake holder department.
The development of TNWRIMS began on
26.10.2022. On November 14, 2022, the
system's Real-time Dashboards modules went
live with a beta version, bringing real-time
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information by integrating data from Central
Water Commission, Indian Meteorological
Department, ISRO, Global Data Set, and State
Data.
20.2. Tamil Nadu - Satellite Based Water
Bodies Information, Monitoring and
Protection System (TN-SWIP)
The Government have sanctioned an
amount of Rs.3.55 crore for Creation of new IT
Application as Pilot study using Artificial
Intelligence and Satellite to monitor
encroachment and water quality in water bodies
in and around Chennai City.
The scope of the work is to create a
digital platform Satellite Based Water Bodies
Information, Monitoring and Protection System
(TN-SWIP) through integration of the data /
information available on existing IT systems with
Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency, Indian
Institute of Remote Sensing, Rural Development
and Panchayat Raj etc., to create a single
umbrella IT solution.
The proposed web based GIS enabled IT
Solution will have a Portal and Mobile
Application. The proposal has two primary
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modules, one is water bodies health monitoring
and other is encroachment detection.
The system will have two modules viz.,
Citizen Module and Admin Modules. It is
proposed to have three types of users in Mobile
application i.e., Authorized Government users,
Authorized Non-Government users and Citizens.
The purpose of development of TN-SWIP
is to know about land use change of water
bodies, identification of encroachments using
satellite open data and send alert message
through mobile applications for eviction of
encroachment after field verification and for
monitoring quality of water in water bodies. The
preliminary works are in process.
20.3. Implementation of e-office
The Government of Tamil Nadu have
announced that the e-office application
developed by the National Informatics Center
(NIC) New Delhi would be implemented in all
Government Departments for processing all files
electronically in lieu of manual file processing
system and to use the IFHRMS application for all
HR/Office Procedure related activities in
electronic form.
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It is proposed to implement an e-office
project for the Water Resources Department
which envisages removing the manual file
movement in all the offices of Water Resources
Department with co-ordination of Tamil Nadu
e-Governance Agency (TNeGA). Accordingly, a
proposal for “Purchase of computers and
Accessories for implementation of e– office
application in all the offices of Water Resources
Department” for an amount of Rs.12.50 crore is
under consideration.
Bulk email id creation has been done for
all the officers of Water Resources Department
dealing with the file correspondences. For
effective implementation of the e-office in the
Water Resources Department, training for
“Master Trainers” and an “Awareness Training
programme on TNGIS for Project Monitoring
Database creation” has been conducted by
TNeGA.
The Request for Quotation for Phase-I
End to End Automation process has been
prepared by TNeGA and the proposal is under
the consideration.
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21.0. Schemes under Investigation /
Formulation
21.1. Formation of Reservoir across
Koraiyar River in V.K. Puram Village
of Ambasamudram Taluk in
Tirunelveli District
Koraiyar River is a tributary of
Thamirabarani River. Administrative Sanction for
an amount of Rs.0.24 crore was accorded for
preparation of Detailed Project Report for
formation of a Reservoir across Koraiyar River in
V.K. Puram Village of Ambasamudram Taluk in
Tirunelveli District.
The proposed capacity of this reservoir is
1 T.M.Cft. An extent of 254.44 acre of sanctuary
reserve forest land, 59.85 acre of patta land and
79.37 acre of poramboke land are required for
this project. On implementation of this scheme,
an extent of 9,091.59 acre of land under
Thamirabarani system would get stabilized.
At present, the detailed investigation
including sub soil investigation work has been
completed and the preparation of Detailed
Project Report is under progress.
187
21.2. Formation of New Reservoir Near
Sikalapalli Vanioddu in Hosur Taluk
of Krishnagiri District
It is proposed to form a new reservoir
near the confluence point of Sambalpallam and
Sulagiri Chinnar Rivers with Thenpennaiyar River
near Sikalapalli Vanioddu in Sulagiri Taluk of
Krishnagiri District.
Administrative Sanction was accorded for
Rs.0.10 crore for conducting survey and detailed
investigation. In order to form a reservoir to a
height of 38 m and length of 470 m to store
water about 460.60 Mc.ft. it is found that an
extent of about 283.62 acre of forest land and
293.07 acre of Patta and Poromboke lands are
required. By implementing this scheme, about
4,250 acre of ayacut will be benefitted. A pre-
feasibility report with hydrological study has
been prepared and submitted and it is under
consideration.
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21.3. Construction of Tail End Structure
across Kollidam River to Arrest Sea
Water intrusion at Thirukazhipalai
Village in Chidambaram Taluk of
Cuddalore District and Alakudy
Village in Sirkali Taluk of
Mayiladuthurai District
The Proposed site is located at a distance
of 8 km upstream from the Bay of Bengal across
the Kollidam River. The left bank of the
proposed structure is situated in Thirukazhipalai
Village in Chidambaram Taluk of Cuddalore
District and the right bank is situated in Alakudy
Village in Sirkali Taluk of Mayiladuthurai district.
The storage capacity is estimated as
366 Mc.ft. By implementing this scheme sea
water intrusion into the land and agriculture
fields on either side of the Kollidam River would
be prevented through storage of flood water
thereby improving quality of ground water.
For implementation of this scheme, an
extent of 6.955 acre of patta land and burial
shed at Alakudy Village are required.
189
Administrative Sanction was accorded for
Rs.0.95 crore for the works of conducting
surveying and investigation and the works have
been completed and model studies for the
scheme is under progress.
Based on the design obtained from
IIT-Madras, Detailed Project Report is under
preparation.
21.4. Construction of Barrage cum Dyke
across River Kollidam at Mathirivellur
Village in Kollidam Block of
Mayiladuthurai District and
Nallamputhur Village in Komaratchi
Block of Cuddalore District.
Proposed site of barrage is located across
the River Kollidam in between Nallamputhur
Village in Komaratchi Block of Cuddalore District
and Mathirivelur Village in Kollidam Block of
Mayiladuthurai District.
By implementing this scheme, it is
presumed that the ground water level in
surrounding Villages would increase, which may
result in recharging of the wells in the nearby
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Villages. The increase in ground water will be
helpful in satisfying the drinking water needs of
people and livestock in the surrounding area.
For implementation of this scheme
an extent of 242.89 Hectare of patta land and
39.958 Hectare of poramboke land needs to be
acquired.
Administrative Sanction for an amount of
Rs.0.14 crore was accorded for conducting
Surveying and Investigation works.
Consequent to the frequent floods in the
River Kollidam during the past years, the profile
of the river gets changed considerably and
hence re-investigation is inevitable. Now the
investigation is under progress.
21.5. Construction of New Regulator
across the Northern and Southern
arms of the Kollidam River on the
downstream side of the existing
regulator at Anaikarai (Lower Anicut)
in Ariyalur and Thanjavur Districts
Proposed site for the construction of the
regulator is located on the downstream side of
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the existing regulator at L.S. 108.210 km across
the Northern and Southern arms of River
Kollidam in Vembukudi Village in left bank of
Kollidam which is in Udayarpalayam Taluk of
Ariyalur District and the right bank is located in
Vinayagantheru Village which is in
Thiruvidaimarudhur Taluk of Thanjavur District.
The estimated storage capacity of the
regulator works out to 200 Mc.ft. approximately.
By considering 3 times of fillings in a year, the
total estimated quantity of storage water will be
600 Mc.ft.
By the construction of this new regulator,
irrigation supply for 30,352 hectares through
seven branch channels would be ensured.
Further, it is proposed to increase the height of
shutters by 2 feet by which more quantity of
water can be diverted to Veeranam Tank. By
implementing this scheme all the existing ayacut
would get stabilized.
More than 500 tube wells and 30 Tamil
Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board
infiltration wells functioning around the proposed
site for regulator will be recharged.
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Approximately 17.196 acre of Patta and
Poromboke land are required for this project.
Administrative Sanction for an amount of
Rs.1.01 crore was accorded for conducting
Surveying, Levelling and Soil Investigation
works. The investigation works have been
completed and Detailed Project Report is under
preparation.
21.6. Recharging Groundwater in areas
Surrounding Koraiyar and Malattar by
diverting the excess flood water from
Pennaiyar River near Andrayanallur
Village in Thiruvennainallur Taluk of
Vilupuram District
Malattar branches out from Pennaiyar
River on the southern side, near Andrayanallur
Village. Whenever there is a flow in Pennaiyar,
there is no flow in river Malattar, since the river
bed of Pennaiyar is lower than the Malattar. It is
proposed to construct a barrier across Pennaiyar
near Arcadu Village to divert the excess flood
water from Pennaiyar River to Malattar River.
This flow of water will recharge the groundwater
193
and benefit around 67 Villages in Cuddalore
District and 20 Villages in Vilupuram District.
Also, it is proposed to construct two
structures, one at Paiyur Village and other near
Sirumadurai Village across Koraiyar River to
augment the ground water to benefit Paiyur,
Sirumadurai and Marangiyur Villages. The
Government have accorded Administrative
Sanction for an amount of Rs.8.00 Lakh for
conducting detailed Surveying and Levelling
Operations. Due to floods in river Pennaiyar, the
profile of the river bed has been changed
drastically and hence the revised investigation is
required and investigation woks are in progress.
21.7. Pumping the flood surplus water of
Pennaiyar River from Eachambadi
Anicut Constructed across River
Pennaiyar at Eachambadi Village in
Karimangalam Taluk of Dharmapuri
District to feed feasible Tanks and
Ponds in the Morapur,
Pappireddipatti and Harur Taluks.
Eachampadi Anicut was constructed
across Pennaiyar River in Eachampadi Village in
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Karimangalam Taluk of Dharmapuri District. This
scheme is formulated to give irrigation facilities
to the surrounding areas by way of pumping the
flood surplus water from the Anicut to possible
Tanks in Pothiyampallam Tank group,
Kambainallur Tank Group, Echampadi Tank
group, Navalai Tank Group and other adjacent
tanks which consists 60 tanks and ponds.
Administrative Sanction has been
accorded for Rs.10 Lakh for conducting
Surveying and levelling operations for detailed
investigation.
The Water requirement for this pumping
scheme is about 181 Mc.ft. which will be used to
fill up the tanks and ponds in 15 days at the rate
of 140 cusecs. The ayacut benefitted by this
entire scheme is 1,915.50 acre. For
implementing this scheme, 162.42 acre of patta
lands and 124.29 acre of poromboke lands are
to be acquired. Detailed Project Report has been
prepared for an amount of Rs.401 crore is under
consideration.
195
21.8. Construction of a small dam across
Kalpadai River and a small dam
across Pottiyam River to create
additional water storage on the
upstream side of Gomukhi Dam in
Chinna Salem Taluk of Kallakurichi
District.
The Gomukhi dam is situated at the foot
of Kalvarayan hills near Kachirapalayam of
Kallakurichi district. It receives water from the
Pottiyam River, Malligaipadi and Kalpadai Rivers.
Among the three Rivers, the Kalpadai and
Pottiyam Rivers are the major contributors to
the Gomukhi dam. The Kalpadai River is on the
left arm and the Pottiyam River is on the right
arm with respect to the Gomukhi dam. At
present, the capacity of Gomukhi dam is
560 Mc.ft. which is found to be insufficient to
command the full 5000 acre of old ayacut and
5000 acre of new ayacut. Therefore, the
proposed scheme envisages construction of
small structures across Kalpadai River &
Pottiyam Rivers, to create additional water
196
storage which acts as a buffer storage to
Gomuki dam.
Administrative Sanction has been
accorded for an amount of Rs.14.65 lakh for
conducting detailed Surveying and Levelling
operations. The investigation work has been
completed. Various alternate proposals are being
prepared.
21.9. Feasibility study to feed Pennaiyar
River water by pumping from
Kodiyalam anicut to the elevated
tanks located in Hosur Taluk of
Krishnagiri District.
Kodiyalam anicut is the first anicut which
is constructed across the Pennaiyar River.
Majority of the rain-fed tanks close to the
Pennaiyar River are elevated above the river's
bed level. Due to inadequacy of rainfall, the
tanks are not receiving enough water.
Therefore, it is suggested to divert
surplus flood water from the River Pennaiyar by
pumping to feed 26 elevated tanks on the right
side of the Kodiyalam anicut and 24 elevated
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tanks on the left side. The quantity of water
proposed to pump would be 156 Mc.ft. for
providing irrigation to an extent of 1,406 acre
land.
Administrative Sanction has been
accorded for Rs.2.50 Lakh for conducting
Surveying and Levelling Operations including
Soil investigation and preparation of Detailed
Project Report. Since, it is the first anicut in
Tamil Nadu across River Pennaiyar, it receives
huge waste water from Bangalore City. Hence,
studies are going on to make the water fit for
irrigation. After finalizing the treatment method,
the Detailed Project Report will be prepared.
21.10. Dhonimaduvu Irrigation Scheme
This scheme aims to divert the excess
water during flood from a jungle stream by
constructing a Check Dam in Dhonimaduvu
pallam and excavating a new Canal to feed
Tanks and Ponds in drought prone areas of
Kulathur, Anthiyur and Bhavani Taluks of Erode
District.
198
Sanction has been accorded for an
amount of Rs.5.00 Lakh to carry out
investigation and preparation of Detailed Project
Report. Since, the work site is located in Forest
area, necessary action is being taken to get
enter upon permission from the Forest
Department.
21.11. Diversion of surplus water from the
River Cauvery to Thathamapalyam
Eri, Aathupaalayam Anai, Velliyanai
Eri, Jagathambi kulam,
Upidamangalam Eri and
Veeraraakiyam Eri by pumping in
Karur District.
Thathamapalyam Eri, Aathupaalayam
anai, Velliyanai Eri, Jagathambi Kulam,
Upidamangalam Eri, and Veeraraakiyam Eri in
Karur District experiences poor rainfall and the
farmers are suffering with severe water shortage
for irrigation and drinking needs. Hence it is
proposed to divert surplus flood water from
River Cauvery. Since the above reservoir and
tanks are situated at a higher level than the bed
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level of River Cauvery, water could be supplied
only by pumping.
Sanction has been accorded for an
amount of Rs.15 Lakh to carry out investigation
and preparation of Detailed Project Report. After
conducting preliminary investigation, a pre-
feasibility report has been prepared.
21.12. Diverting surplus flood water from
Thiruvengadanathapuram Barrage by
pumping system to the Tanks in
Manur and Pallamadai areas in
Tirunelveli District.
It is proposed to divert surplus flood
water by pumping from the proposed barrage
across Thamirabarani River in
Thiruvengadanathapuram Village in
Palayamkottai Taluk of Tirunelveli District,
through a new flood carrier canal to the drought
prone area of Chittar System ayacut in Manur
and Pallamadai and its surrounding area to
alleviate water deficit.
Through this scheme, an ayacut of
554.23 Hectares of the 12 tanks in the
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downstream of Pallikottai Anicut could be
benefitted.
Sanction has been accorded for an
amount of Rs.40 Lakh to carry out investigation
and preparation of Detailed Project Report.
Preliminary investigation works were
completed. Pre – feasibility report has been
prepared and is under consideration.
21.13. Diversion of surplus flood water from
River Amaravathi to Vattamalaikarai
odai Reservoir in Tiruppur District.
The Vattamalaikarai odai Reservoir with
the capacity of 268.04 Mc.ft. was constructed in
the year 1981 to benefit 6,040 acre of land.
Since 28 years, this reservoir has not reached its
maximum capacity due to inadequate rainfall in
the catchment area.
Therefore, it has been proposed to
transfer surplus flood water of River Amaravathy
to Vattamalaikarai Odai Reservoir either by
pumping or by gravity in order to secure the
supply of water to the ayacut of the reservoir.
201
Sanction has been accorded for an
amount of Rs.10 Lakh to carry out investigation
and preparation of Detailed Project Report.
Preliminary investigation works have been
completed and preparation of Detailed Project
Report is under progress.
21.14. Increasing the Full Reservoir Level
(FRL) of Poondi Sathyamoorthy
Sagar Reservoir by two feet to
augment its capacity.
The Sathyamoorthy Sagar Reservoir,
popularly known as Poondi Reservoir across the
Kosasthalaiyar River is one of the five drinking
water sources, which caters the drinking water
needs of Chennai City and its adjoining areas.
Investigation to impound the flood water was
carried out in the year 1940 and the project was
executed in 1944. The catchment area of the
Poondi Reservoir is 1,968 sq.k.m. and its
capacity is 2.750 T.M.Cft. Poondi Reservoir
receives water from Kosasthalaiyar River,
Nagariyar River and Krishana Water Supply
(through an Inter-State water agreement).
202
Under Krishna Water Supply Project,
capacity of the Reservoir was increased from
2.750 T.M.Cft. to 3.231 T.M.Cft. by raising its
FRL from 33 feet to 35 feet, during the year
1990 – 1996 to adhere to the standards of
Central Water Commission,
To meet out the drinking water
requirement of the growing population of
Chennai city, it is the need of the hour to find
feasible solution to increase the storing capacity
of the water bodies. One of the options is to
increase the storage capacity of Poondi
reservoir.
It is proposed to find the feasibility to
increase the FRL further by 2 feet, due to which
storage capacity may increase from
3.231 T.M.Cft. to 3.971 T.M.Cft. This leads to
additional storage of 0.74 T.M.Cft. In view of
the above, Government have accorded sanction
for an amount of Rs.48 Lakh to conduct
investigation and to prepare the Detailed Project
Report. The investigation is in progress.
203
Integrated Rehabilitation of Irrigation
Structure
Conducting the following detailed
investigation for preparation of Detailed Project
Reports for Comprehensive rehabilitation of
Irrigation Infrastructures and to provide
automated community micro irrigation in
Kodayar and Kollidam Basins, Vennar and
Parambikulam- Aliyar sub basins.
i) Kodayar Basin in Kanniyakumari
District - Estimate Amount -
Rs.2.596 crore
The Kodayar system receives supply both
in South West and North East Monsoon.
Normally the irrigation period extends up to nine
months in every year. Due to continuous supply,
the age old structure gets deteriorated and they
have been repaired and maintained with the
available maintenance grant then and there. The
conveyance efficiency has also been drastically
reduced. To address the above problems,
considering the effects of Climate Change, to
come up with a sustainable and climate resilient
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modernisation project for the effective function
of the system in near future a comprehensive
Detailed Project Report preparation has been
initiated.
ii) Kollidam basin in Tiruchirappalli,
Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai
and Cuddalore district- Estimate
Amount- Rs. 9.983 crore
After serving for a period of many
centuries, the Kollidam River system is in urgent
need for comprehensive rehabilitation. The
Canals, Channels, Drainage Inlets, Sluices,
Regulators etc., which are in dilapidated
condition, needs to be rehabilitated to reduce
the losses and to improve the irrigation
efficiency. Hence, it is essential to conduct a
detailed investigation with new advanced
technology in Kollidam Basin spreading over
Tiruchirapalli, Ariyalur, Thanjavur,
Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore Districts for a
sustainable and climate resilient modernization
project.
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iii) Vennar Sub Basin in Thanjavur,
Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam
Districts - Estimate Amount -
Rs. 9.80 crore
The rivers namely Vennar from
L.S.27.260 km to 55.510 km based on the
requirement are now proposed for rehabilitation
in the Vennar Sub Basin of Cauvery Basin. The
reaches taken up under Asian Development
Bank assisted Climate Adaptation of Vennar Sub
basin of Cauvery Delta Project Phase I (6 Rivers)
and proposed Phase- II (5 Rivers), Vettar and
Odambogiyar, except 'A' class Channels of all
rivers under Vennar Sub Basin under Extension,
Renovation and Modernization Project of Vennar
Sub Basin in Cauvery Delta.
Hence, it is necessary to conduct a
detailed investigation for preparation of the
Detailed Project Report for rehabilitation of the
above river systems and to provide automated
community Micro Irrigation as per the Central
Water Commission guidelines and also to obtain
the necessary investment clearance and
206
approval of the various Directorates of Central
Water Commission, Government of India.
iv) Parambikulam - Aliyar Sub Basin in
Coimbatore and Tiruppur Districts -
Estimate Amount- Rs. 7.08 crore
In order to restore the canals to its
designed and original standards, to upkeep the
Canal fit for carrying the designed discharge, to
minimize the conveyance losses and to increase
the Canal efficiency, it has been proposed to
rehabilitate the Canals. Reconstruction of Cross
Masonry Structures are also proposed to ensure
the structural stability. Further the
Parambikulam - Aliyar project system is more
suitable to implement automated community
irrigation for equitable distribution of water and
for efficient irrigation water management.
Hence, it is necessary to conduct the detailed
investigation for preparation of the Detailed
Project Report for rehabilitation of the
Parambikulam - Aliyar Project System.
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22.0. Chennai City Water Supply
Augmentation and Flood Mitigation
Resilient to Climate Change
It is very imperative to protect Chennai
City from recurrent flooding and drinking water
problems. Short-term and Long-term flood
mitigation works are proposed to be taken up to
avoid recurring flooding in Chennai City.
At present, 6 Reservoirs viz.,
Cholavaram, Chembarambakkam, Poondi,
Redhills, Kannankottai-Thervaikandigai and
Veeranam with a combined capacity of
13 T.M.Cft. caters the needs of drinking water
requirements of Chennai City as against the
annual demand of drinking and industrial
requirement about 22 T.M.Cft. at present and
which may raise to 32 T.M.Cft. by 2,035 with the
projected population growth.
At present, serious impact of Climate
Change has been observed on tropical climatic
areas causing unprecedented flash floods in
many parts of Chennai, Kancheepuram,
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Chengalpattu and Thiruvallur Districts. Hence,
with an aim to bridge the gap between present
water demand and supply rate and also to
create a flood resilient urban Infrastructure, the
project “Chennai City Water Supply
Augmentation and Flood Mitigation Resilient to
Climate Change” is being formulated.
The objective of the proposal is flood
mitigation and rainwater conservation for deficit
years in and around Chennai City. The
Comprehensive proposal comprises enhancing
the rain water storage capacity in the upstream
of Chennai city by creation of new storage
structures, increasing the storage capacity of
existing water bodies, improving the conveyance
efficiency and inters connecting the feasible
water bodies. The proposal aims to create an
additional storage capacity of 20.50 T.M.Cft. to
meet the drinking water requirements of
Chennai City and to find permanent mitigation
measures to a maximum extent for the flood
vulnerable areas in and around Chennai City.
This scheme has formulated at an estimated
cost of Rs.22,004 crore tentatively.
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The Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources
has announced in the Floor of Assembly on
06.04.2022 during the debate on the demand of
grants for Water Resources Department for the
year 2022-2023 that a Pilot scheme to supply
additional water flood mitigation and to adopt for
Climate Changes to Chennai City at an estimated
cost of Rs.5.12 crore will be implemented.
The Government have accorded
Administrative Sanction for Preparation of
Detailed Project Evaluation for a Pilot Project in
Chennai Flood Mitigation, Climate Change and
supply of additional water to Chennai City at an
estimated cost of Rs.5.02 crore and
identification of suitable agency is under
process.
DURAIMURUGAN
Minister for Water Resources
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Salem District - Hon’ble Chief Minister releasing water for Kuruvai cultivation from Mettur Dam - 24.05.2022
1
Inspection of Athikadavu Avinashi Pumping Scheme by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and Diginitaries Erode
on 26.08.2022 – Estimate Amount Rs.1756.88 crore – State Fund
2
Before Execution After Execution
Thiruvarur District - Injukudi & Akilampettai Village -Desilting the bed of Peralam channel
from 0 km to 4.00 km Estimate Amount Rs.8.50 Lakhs
3
Chennai District- Hon’ble Chief Minister Visit during the work for Formation of Pallikaranai Tank Cut &
Cover on 29.09.2022
4
Kancheepuram District- Hon’ble Chief Minsiter Visit of the work for Improvements on Porur Tank Surplus Course and
Regulator Arrangements
5
International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) - World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS) Awards -
TNWRD - Kalingarayan Anicut & Channel System, Grand Anicut (Kallanai Dam), Veeranam Tank and Lower
Coleroon Anicut - 02.11.2022
6
ICID-CIID World Heritage Irrigation Structures Award for the year 2021 received for Lower Anicut, Kalingarayan
Anicut, Grand Anicut Canal and Veeranam Tank
7
CBIP Award received from Hon’ble Union Minister Thiru R K Singh for Katchamangalam Anicut, Vennar Basin
Division, Trichy Region for the best maintained structure.
8
International Association for Hydro – Environment Engineering and Research – Asia and Pacific Division – “Water
Heritage Irrigation Structure Award” for Kallanai Dam on 15.12.2022 – Chennai.
9
Trichy District - New Regulator across River Coleroon at Mukkombu - Estimate Rs. 414.00 crore- NABARD Fund
10
Trichy District - New Regulator across River Coleroon at Mukkombu- (Estimate Rs. 414.00 crore)- NABARD Fund
11
Karur District - Construction of Barrage across River Cauvery in Nanjai Pugalur village –
(Estimate Rs. 406.50 crore)- NIDA
12
Cuddalore & Mayiladuthurai Districts- Construction of Barrage across River Coleroon in between Adhanur and
Kumaramangalam villages - (Estimate Rs. 494.60 crore) – State Fund
13
Salem District - Mettur Sarabanga Lift Irrigation Project Thippampatti Pumping Station –
(Estimate Rs. 565.00 crore) – State Fund
14
Thanjavur District - Grade wall across Vettar River at LS 73.635 Km in Surakkayur village -
(Estimate Rs.4.88 crore) - NABARD
15
Thanjavur District - Grade wall across Vennar River at LS 85.180 Km in Ivelithottam Village –
(Estimate Rs.5.856 crore) - NABARD
16
Salem District- Diversion of Kaikan Valavu Surplus Water to Kariyakoil reservoir
(Estimate Rs.7.30 crore)- State Fund
17
Before Execution After Execution
Thanjavur District – Peikkarambankottai Village - Desilting the bed of Periya Eri Drain at L.S 0 m to 300m –
(Estimate amount Rs.3.00 Lakhs) – State Fund
18
Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur & Thiruvarur District- Extension, Renovation and Modernisation -Cauvery subbasin-
Regulator across Keerthimanar River (Package No -21) –
(Estimate Amount Rs.136.54 crore) - NIDA
19
Thanjavur District- Extension, Renovation and Modernisation -Grand Anicut Canal System – New regulator
Kuruvadipatti village (Package No -2) – (Estimate Amount Rs.192 crore)- State Fund
20
Erode, Tiruppur and Karur District- Extension, Renovation and Modernisation - Protection wall at Mile 64/2 in LBP
Main canal (Package No -4) – (Estimate Amount Rs.189.55 crore) - NIDA
21
Theni District -Installing Coir Geo-textiles for Erosion Control on the sloping (rear) side of Manjalar Reservoir -
Estimate Rs.2.09 crore - State Fund
22
Theni District - Check dam across Manjalar River near Genguvarpatti village
Estimate Rs.2.36 crore - State Fund
23
Ramanathapuram District - Additional Vents across the Supply Channel of Ramanathapuram Big Tank –
Estimate Rs.9.93 crore - State Fund
24
Madurai District - Check Dam and Recharge shaft across the Vaigai River near Aarapalayam
Estimate Rs.11.98 Crore – NABARD Fund
25
Villupuram District - Improvements to Nandhan Channel From LS12.400 Km to LS 37.880 Km in Gingee,
Vikkravandi and Villupuram Taluks - Estimate Amount Rs. 26.57crore - NABARD
26
Thiruvannamalai District - Rehabilitation and Improvements to the Nandhan Channel form L.S. 0 Km to 12.40 Km in
Thiruvannamalai and Kilpennathur Taluk - Estimate Amount Rs. 7.26 crore – NABARD Fund
27
Thiruvannamalai District - Rehabilitaiton and Improvement to Sathanur Dam in Thandarampattu Taluk of
Tiruvannamalai District- Estimate Amount Rs.90 crore- DRIP II.
28
Kancheepuram District-Improvements to Porur Tank Surplus Course and Regulator Arrangements-
Estimate Amount Rs. 34.00 crore - State Fund
29
Kancheepuram District- Providing additional Box culverts at NH Bypass -
Estimate Amount Rs. 9.70 crore- State Fund
30
Kancheepuram District- Head Regulator in Porur tank – Estimate Amount Rs. 39.60 crore- State Fund
31
Thiruvallur and Chennai District- Restoration and Reformation of River Bund and regradation of River Bed in
Kosasthalaiyar River - Estimate Amount Rs. 15.00 crore - State Fund
32
Chennai District- Restoration of bank and deepening of existing tank bed and improvements to its surplus course of
Kolathur Tank - Estimate Amount Rs. 7.30 crore - State Fund
33
Villupuram District - Construction of Artificial Recharging Structure Across Nallavur River Near Kiliyanur Village in
Vanur Taluk -Estimate Amount Rs. 3.91 crore - NABARD Fund
34
Erode District – Bhavani Taluk, Athikadavu Avinashi Pumping Scheme Pumping Station I at Bhavani–
Estimate Amount Rs.1756.88 Crore – State Fund.
35
Erode District – Perundurai Taluk – Athikadavu Avinashi Pumping Scheme, Pumping Station IV –
Polanaickenpalayam Village – Estimate Amount Rs.1756.88 Crore – State Fund
36
Erode District – Bhavani Taluk, Athikadavu Avinashi Pumping Scheme, Automated Control Room (SCADA) at
Bhavani– Estimate Amount Rs.1756.88 Crore – State Fund
37
Athikadavu Avinashi Pumping Scheme – Test run from Pumping Station II, NallagoundenPalayam to Pumping
Station III, Tiruvachi – Date 26.02.2023
38
Athikadavu Avinashi Pumping Scheme – Test run from Pumping Station III, Tiruvachi to Pumping Station IV,
Polanaickenpalayam– Date 04.03.2023
39
Coimbatore District - Anaimalai Taluk, Rehabilitation of Pollachi Canal without lining of canal and bed from LS 0/000
Km to 20/000 Km and its distributaries - Estimate Rs.4.09 Crore - NABARD Fund
40
WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
POLICY NOTE
2023 - 2024
DEMAND No. 40
Thiru.DURAIMURUGAN
Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources
©
Government of Tamil Nadu
Printed by : Government Central Press, Chennai - 1. 2023