Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday told the State Assembly that accepting the State government’s request, the World Bank has given its nod to extend the duration of the Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water-Bodies Restoration and Management (IAMWARM) project till September 2014, as a few more irrigation systems have to be renovated under the scheme.
Following this, 310 lakes, 63 reservoirs and water canals would be renovated and upgraded at a cost of Rs 258.73 crore, she said. To complete these works, the IAMWARM project has been extended from April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014, she added.
Recalling that the IAMWARM Scheme was being implemented since 2005 with financial assistance from the World Bank, the CM said, the corrected estimate of the scheme was Rs 2,816 crore.
Under the scheme, steps were taken to renovate 4,910 lakes, 662 reservoirs and canals to the extent of 8,071 km. Most of the works have already been completely and the remaining works are on the verge of completion,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister also said, with a view to tap the surplus water in Maruthaiyar river during the north-east monsoon season, a reservoir would be constructed at a cost of `108 crore across the river near Kottarai village in Perambalur district.
Around 4,194 acres of land in the villages of Kottarai, Athanur, Bujangarayanallur, Nochikulam, Thondapadi, Azhagiripalayam, Koodalur and Sathanur would benefit from this scheme, she said.