Date:27/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/27/stories/2008082757540100.htm

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Theni farmers to reap benefits of canal scheme

K. Raju

THENI: Farmers of 75 villages between Gudalur and Thevaram in Theni district need not worry any more about getting adequate water for irrigation — the Public Works Department has completed the much-awaited 18th canal scheme.

A check dam, constructed at the head works of the canal, is overflowing into the river. Work on closure of a temporary sub-canal, which was used to divert water into Mullaperiyar river from the head work area during construction, is under way.

Trial discharge into the canal through sluices will be made soon. The PWD officials are waiting for the Minister’s clearance to commission the scheme.

“Desilt channels”

However, a section of farmers in the project area, feel that the much-awaited scheme may not fulfil the hopes of all farmers since several supply channels connecting 45 tanks are not in a good condition.

The channels must be desilted and renovated, without which water in these tanks cannot be used for irrigation, the farmers say.

The scheme was sanctioned in 1999 at an estimated cost of Rs. 26.52 crore.

It will benefit farmers of Dombucheri, T. Chindhalaicherry, Pannaipuram, Kombai, Sankarapuram, Vembakottai, Thevaram, Lakshminaickanpatti, Pothaipuram, Meenakshipuram, Gudalur, and Uthamapuram village in Uthamapalayam taluk.