Date:20/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042051160300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Underground drainage for Udumalpet at Rs. 39 crore

Staff Reporter

Project will be completed in 18 months after tender is awarded

UDUMALPET: The Tamil Nadu Government has conceded a long time demand of Udumalpet residents by sanctioning underground drainage scheme for the town at an estimated cost of Rs. 39 crore.

With the announcement of the Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin on the floor of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Udumalpet Municipal Chairman C. Velusamy said that tenders would be called for the project by next month.

Once the tender is awarded, the project is expected to be completed in 18 months.

According to Mr. Velusamy, a 80 k.m.-long sewer line will be dug up across the town and the sewerage will be taken to Kurinjeri village, five km from here, for treatment.

The treated water will be released for irrigation in the nearby areas.

Of the Rs. 39 crore, the Central Government bears a major share of 80 per cent, while the Tamil Nadu Government and Udumalpet Municipality will spend 10 per cent each.

The project assumes significance as the town does not have proper drainage system for years and hence stagnation of drainage and rainwater occurs during monsoon.

“The residents have been suffering due to lack of sewer system for years. The extension areas numbering 50 layouts did not have storm water drains. The under ground drainage will certainly improve the hygienic condition of the town,” he hoped.

Mr. Velusamy recalled the resolution seeking under ground drainage scheme for the town in the Municipal Council meeting in December and subsequent survey by the officials in February.

The Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board will execute the project. All the 33 wards of the town will be covered under the scheme.