Date:12/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/12/stories/2008051254331100.htm

Tamil Nadu

Stalin reviews water project

Staff Reporter

To provide drinking water to seven town panchayats

BENEFICIAL: Minister for Local Administration M.K. Stalin reviewing the Tamirabarani combined drinking water scheme in Virudhunagar on Sunday.

VIRUDHUNAGAR: The Minister for Local Administration, M.K. Stalin, reviewed the proposed Tamirabarani combined drinking water project planned to provide drinking water to seven town panchayats and 1,457 rural habitations in the district, here on Sunday.

The Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran, and the Minister for School Education, Thangam Thennarsu, were present along with the Collector, V. Chandrasekaran.

The Collector said combined drinking water project, with source from the Tamirabarani, had been implemented in phases to benefit five municipalities, two town panchayats and 130 way-side rural habitations.

The municipalities of Virudhunagar, Aruppukottai, Sattur, Tiruthangal and Sivakasi and the Kariyapatti and Mallankinaru town panchayats were benefited through it.

Besides, separate water scheme has been implemented for Rajapalayam town. The Vasudevanallur drinking water project for Srivilliputtur town and 41 wayside villages is expected to be completed by January 2009.

“However, there has been a long-pending demand for permanent water source for all the rural habitations. We hope to fulfil that with this project proposed at a cost of Rs. 250 crore,” the Collector said. By covering the remaining seven town panchayats and 1,457 villages, the scheme is expected to fulfil the drinking water need of the entire district, he said.

Mr. Stalin told the officials that the Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board would soon inspect the district. The project investigation would begin thereafter.

The TWAD Superintending Engineer, Balasubramanian, the Executive Engineer, Kathirvel were among those who were present.