KOTTAYAM: Construction of central portion of Thanneermukkom barrage (third stage of works) and modernisation of existing portion (replacement of shutters), being implemented under Kuttanad package, suffered a major blow after the delay in completing the procedural formalities from the Central Government. The project worth `233 crore, to be borne equally by the Central and State Government, is moving at a snail’s pace.
According to sources, an investment clearance from the inter-ministerial council is still pending, which has blocked the Centre’s allocation, leaving the works in limbo. Interestingly, the delay is at a time when the Centre is pushing for private investments in the state.
Meanwhile, the State Government has already allocated around `44 crore, `34 crore for the construction of central portion and `10 crore for modernisation, for the project.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy formally inaugurated the construction works in September 16, 2014. However, the works had started at the end of July itself.
The project for the construction of the central portion is intended to abridge the first and second stages of the Thanneermukkom barrage, which were commissioned in 1976. The bund has a total length of 1,400 metres, including a 470-metre long reclaimed portion in the middle, which will be replaced with the construction of regulator shutter cum bridge. The estimated cost for the works is `181 crore. As many as 28 shutters and a 46 ft lock gate will be constructed.
Officials say 37 per cent of the works of the new portion has been completed. As many as 12 pillars were erected and foundation for the rest has been completed, using the state government’s fund. Meanwhile, under the modernisation of existing portion, all the 62 mild steel (MS) shutters will be replaced with stainless steel shutters, at a cost of `52 crore, which was supposed to be completed with in a year.