Date:18/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/18/stories/2008121853920300.htm

Tamil Nadu

‘Remove encroachments on water bodies’

Staff Reporter

Namakkal Collector inspects works under NREGS

– Photo: By Special arrangement

Taking stock: Collector U. Sagayam (second from left) inspecting development works at Puduchatram block in Namakkal district on Tuesday.

NAMAKKAL: Collector U. Sagayam reviewed the progress of various development works under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam in Puduchatram block on Tuesday.

Inspecting the works at Kalyani and Karadipatti village panchayats, the Collector directed officials to remove encroachments on all water bodies and water carrying channels in the block.

Rainwater

Local body officials should initiate measures to harvest rainwater, he said instructed them to plant more tree saplings in vacant lands and public places.While inspecting a panchayat union primary school in Karadipatti, he asked the teachers to encourage students studying in Standard III and above to develop their general knowledge. Teachers should ask questions and motivate students to read books and newspapers.

Funds

Mr. Sagayam said the district administration sanctioned Rs. 30 crore to carry out works under the NREGS in all the blocks. A sum of Rs. 5.50 crore was disbursed as wage to the workers under the scheme. District Rural Development Agency Project Officer Samuel Inbadurai and senior officials accompanied the Collector.