AIADMK to Advocate for Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar River Link in TN Assembly
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Synopsis
On April 1, the AIADMK plans to introduce a Call Attention Motion in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly to inquire about the status of the Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar river linking project, aimed at addressing water scarcity in southern Tamil Nadu.
Key Takeaways
- AIADMK introduces a motion in the TN Assembly.
- The project involves a 262.19-km canal to link rivers.
- Initial phase will cost Rs 6,941 crore.
- Land acquisition is in progress in key districts.
- Supreme Court clears legal hurdles for the project.
Chennai, April 1 (NationPress) The AIADMK is preparing to introduce a Call Attention Motion in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, requesting an update on the much-anticipated Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar river linking project.
Former Minister and Viralimalai MLA C. Vijaya Baskar will present the motion, posing inquiries to Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan regarding the current status of this multiphase initiative.
This ambitious plan involves the construction of a 262.19-kilometre canal that will commence from the Mayanur (Kattalai) barrage on the Cauvery River. The canal aims to connect the Cauvery with the Agniyar, South Vellar, Manimuthar, Vaigai, and Gundar rivers, facilitating the redirection of excess floodwaters from the Cauvery to address the water scarcity in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
As per the policy note shared by Minister Duraimurugan, the Tamil Nadu government has granted in-principle approval for the formation of the canal.
The initial phase is projected to cost Rs 6,941 crore. This project aims to ensure irrigation for 45,810 hectares while extending irrigation benefits to an additional 6,521 hectares, out of a comprehensive 52,332 hectares across the Cauvery and Gundar basins.
Land acquisition processes are currently in progress in the districts of Karur, Pudukottai, and Tiruchirapalli.
Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the second and third phases are being prepared as the first phase, which is already in motion, includes construction on two smaller sections, with completion expected soon, according to sources in the Water Resources Department.
The Mayanur Barrage located in the Karur district will be the canal's starting point, designed to transport approximately 6,000 cusecs of water.
In its first phase, the canal is expected to irrigate 42,170 acres and recharge 342 irrigation tanks across the Karur, Tiruchi, and Pudukottai districts. The second phase will extend the canal 110 km from the South Vellar to the Vaigai River, while the final 34.04-km stretch will connect the Vaigai to the Gundar River.
This project, long in development, has been the subject of ongoing discussions, approvals, and even legal disputes.
Significantly, the Supreme Court recently declined to entertain a plea from Karnataka opposing the project, marking a crucial step forward in its implementation.
With the AIADMK raising the matter in the Assembly, the project is anticipated to garner renewed political focus as it progresses toward meeting the irrigation demands of southern Tamil Nadu.
