5. Irrigation and Flood Control
5.1. Irrigation and Flood Control
Water from falls and flood should be stored and utilized for agriculture. With this noble objective, towering Tamil king Karikalan (Chola) constructed Kallanai (dam) - A treasure of Tamil Nadu - Aringnar Anna
(In Dravida Nadu weekly, August 4, 1957) (World’s first dam constructed 2000 years ago still in use)
5.1.1. Introduction
Water is the elixir of life, a precious gift of nature to mankind and millions of other species living on the earth. It is fast becoming a scarce commodity in most parts of the world. In Tamil Nadu, water is a serious limiting factor for agricultural growth, as the state has harnessed almost the entire available irrigation potential. Irrigation reduces risk in farming, increases crop productivity, provides higher employment opportunities to the rural people and increases farmer income three to four fold. Of the two sources of irrigation water in the state namely, surface and ground water, more than 95% of the surface water potential has almost been fully tapped. Ground water resource is, therefore, the only alternative source for further development. In this situation, the state has to bestow maximum attention on efficient management of available water resources so as to enhance its utility through application of appropriate and cost-effective technologies.
‘River basin Planning’ for optimum utilization of water resources is particularly important for a water starved state like Tamil Nadu, which does not have any perennial river. Since a large percentage of consumptive use is through irrigation, irrigation water management is to be given a high priority. This task requires a strong institutional arrangement for effective implementation of the policies for better water management through effective use of the participatory approach, which is being strongly advocated by water experts.
211 Pattern of Rainfall
Tamil Nadu with 7% of the population of the country is endowed with 4.49 M.H.M. of water resources only, i.e. 3% of the water resources in India. The state’s water resources are dependent on monsoon rainfall. The rainfall situation is very uncertain and hence its dependability on major sources of irrigation. The actual rainfall registered during the five years in between 2000- 2007 has been far less than the normal rainfall. The pattern of rainfall during the past 30 years shows that the average rainfall of the state is 945.7 mm. with 449.7 mm. in North East (NE) monsoon and 307.3 in South West (SW) monsoon.
Table 5.1. 1
The coefficient of variation for the annual rainfall is 17.80. It is as high as 47.5% for NE monsoon. The rainfall analysis indicates a deficient rainfall of 19.38% and 25.72% during 2001-02 and 2002-03 respectively. Near normal rainfall has occurred during the years 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2006-07. However, the rainfall was continuously deficient for four years from 1999 to 2003 which has caused indiscriminate tapping of ground water leading to over-exploitation which in turn has led to depletion in ground water level. Tamil Nadu experienced unprecedented torrential rains during the Northeast monsoon period from October to December 2005 and 2006. This resulted in flash floods, inundation, submergence and heavy damage to all the existing irrigation structures and facilities in as many as twenty two districts of the state.
212 Total Water Potential
Tamil Nadu covers 4% of the geographical area (13.01 Mha) and caters to 7% of the population of the country which is about 6.2 crore people living in 17 river basins. There are about 76 major reservoirs, 39 thousand tanks, and 3.7 million wells, which irrigate about 2.6 million hectares out of 5.5 million hectares of crop land. More than 95% of the surface water potential and 80% of groundwater potential have been put into use. The total water potential of the state including ground water is 47230 MCM (1668 TMC). The total surface water potential of the state is 24160 MCM (853 TMC) including the contribution (7391 MCM or 261 TMC) from the neighbouring states, viz., Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra.
Table 5.1. 2
The major problem in water is the conservation of rainfall received. Surface run-off, evaporation, infiltration and deep percolation account for the total volume of the rainfall received. The run-off coefficient of a basin normally depends on the mean temperature, humidity, pattern of rainfall, intensity of rainfall, vegetation, topographical features of the basin etc. The runoff coefficient is found to vary between 0.40 and 0.55 in Tamil Nadu. The normal annual surface flow works out to 6.071 million hectare metre (MHM) but the utilizable runoff is calculated as 2.33 MHM. The non-utilizable flow is due to lack of storage and unsuitable distribution of supply, evaporation and other losses. The total utilizable water resources of the state i.e., both surface and groundwater works out to about 5 MHM. With the limited supply of water, it is necessary to improve the conservation of water and efficiency of water use in order to meet the increasing requirements of water from agriculture and competing uses.
213 Ground Water- Category of Blocks
As per the 2003 data, the stage of groundwater development indicates that 175 out of 385 blocks in the state are in over exploited and critical (dark) category. The number of blocks under these categories are steadily increasing during the last ten years due to indiscriminate drawal of ground water in the blocks which are mostly concentrated in Vellore, Villuppuram, Salem, Namakkal, Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore, Theni, Thiruvannamalai and Thoothukudi districts.
Table 5.1. 3
Sl. No Category of Blocks
X
Area Irrigated and Sources of Irrigation
The state’s per capita irrigation potential in per capita terms is 0.08 ha. compared to the all-India average of 0.15 ha. The three main sources of irrigation in the state are rivers, tanks and wells. There are 40,319 tanks, 2,395 irrigation main canals & 19,33,932 irrigation wells in the state. The area irrigated by various sources is furnished in the table below.
214 Table 5.1. 4
Agriculture is the single largest consumer of water in the state consuming 75% of the state’s water resources. Despite having limited water resource, Tamil Nadu has a high percentage of the net area sown that is irrigated (56%). The state has a net irrigated area of 29.19 lakh hectares (2005-06). The irrigation intensity (ratio of gross irrigated area to net irrigated area), which was 129.32% during the 1950s, went up to 131.75% in 1960s and then declined to 124.9% during the 1990s. The irrigation intensity has further come down to 116% during the Tenth Plan period.
The area irrigated by canals marginally increased from 7.92 lakh ha. in 1950s to 8.23 lakh ha. in 1990s and 8.00 lakh ha during 2005-06. However, the share of canal irrigation in the net area irrigated declined from 37.5 to 30 percent between 1950 and 1990s and has further fallen to around 27.41% during the Tenth Plan. Tanks are simple sources that bring sustainable benefits to the agricultural sector. The approximate storage capacity of 40,319 tanks in the state is estimated as 5,067 MCM (178.94 TMC) (21% of the annual water potential), which is almost equal to that of the reservoirs. However, the tank irrigation system has deteriorated over time, which is shown by the decline in the area irrigated under tanks falling from 24% in the 50’s to roughly 18% in the Tenth Plan period. This might be due to failure of monsoon, reduction in the storage capacity of reservoirs due to silting, lack of adequate management
215 of tanks and the supply channels and unscientific water management practices followed by farmers.
Next to tank irrigation is lift irrigation through individually owned wells. In addition to serving as a regular source of supply, ground water plays a critical role as a buffer during periods of drought when surface flows are limited and unreliable. The number of wells, which in 1951 was only 14,400, increased to 15.28 lakhs by 1996 and to 19.34 lakhs in 2005. The development has been concentrated more in the districts of Salem, Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kancheepuram and Thanjavur. The overall area irrigated by wells has also shown a consistent increase reaching an average of 54 percent during the Tenth Plan period.
River Basins of Tamil Nadu
There are 34 river basins in Tamil Nadu including minor river basins. For study purposes, they are grouped into 17 by clubbing the minor ones with the adjacent major river basins. Cauvery is the only major river basin (drainage area > 20,000 sq. km.). Out of the remaining basins, 13 are medium basins and 3 minor basins (< 2000 sq. km.). The total surface water potential of river basins is 24,160 MCM (853 TMC).
Table 5.1. 5
216 Table 5.1. 6
National Water Policy
The National Water Policy-2002 lays emphasis on integrated water resources development and management for optimal and sustainable utilization of the available surface and ground water. The involvement of beneficiaries and stakeholders in project Planning and participatory approach in water resources management has been focused in the policy.
State Water Policy
Taking into account the National Water Policy 2002, the State Water Policy 1994 was re-drafted emphasising the need for utmost efficiency in water utilisation and public awareness of the importance of water conservation. This water policy applies to all the water resources in the state. According to the draft State Water Use Policy 2002, (which is being appraised with reference to the Water Policy of other states and yet to be approved at Government level) in the Planning and operation of the systems, water allocation priorities should be broad based as follows: a) Drinking Water b) Irrigation c) Hydro Power d)
217 Ecology e) Industries and other uses. The river basin will be the unit for water Planning. The policy envisages water resources development and management, which will have to be Planned for drainage basin or for a sub- basin as a whole. A multi-sectoral approach will be followed taking into account surface and ground water for sustainable use, incorporating quantity and quality aspects as well as environmental considerations. Watershed management through extensive soil conservation, catchment area treatment, preservation of forest and construction of check-dams should be promoted. Water should be made available to the water starved areas by transfer from other areas including from one river basin to the other.
Ultimate Irrigation Potential and Utilization
Irrigation increases productivity, stability and sustainability in Agriculture. The foremost issue is the availability of irrigation potential, its creation and utilization. Ultimate Irrigation Potential (UIP) corresponds to the gross area that could theoretically be irrigated in a year on the basis of the assumed cropping pattern and the given probability of rainfall. Pushing the irrigation potential to the ultimate level available may be unsustainable in some cases. Tamil Nadu tops the list in terms of utilization of its created potential with almost full utilization.
Table 5.1. 7
The worked out supply- demand gap based on the growth rates of irrigated crops is 7476 M cum (264 TMC). The total demand of water for all sector worked out to 54,700 million cubic metres (1932 TMC) for the year 2010 which may increase up to 57,725 M cum (2039 TMC) by the year 2050. But the availability of water, both ground and surface water in a normal year is only 47,230 M cum (1668 TMC). Thus there will be a gap of 10495 M cum
218 (371 TMC) in 2050. It is anticipated that only 50% of the water will be available for irrigation. Hence there is an urgent need to balance the gap between the water demand for agriculture and non-agricultural needs. It is necessary to increase the water use efficiency of agricultural crops by efficient management techniques in day-to-day use of surface and ground water.
Improvement of Irrigation/ Water Use Efficiency
The overall efficiency in surface irrigation like canals and tanks is only 40 percent (as compared to 75% in Israel) whereas in well irrigation it is 70 percent. Researchers opine that this level of overall efficiency can be increased to 50 to 60 percent in surface irrigation and to 85 percent in well irrigation. If the overall efficiency is increased in phases from 40% to 50% and 60%, this would annually save about 3000 MCM for every 10% increase in efficiency. Encroachments are serious issues affecting adversely the water resources, particularly the irrigation tanks. Another problem is that of deferred maintenance. The pace of tank rehabilitation has to be stepped up to meet the growing needs.
5.1.2. Review of Tenth Plan Major and Medium Irrigation and Flood Control
The National Commission on Agriculture assessed the ultimate irrigation potential of Tamil Nadu through Major and Medium Irrigation sources as 15 lakh hectares in 1976. At the commencement of the First Five Year Plan, there were 23 Major and Medium Irrigation Projects benefiting 11 lakh hectares. In the Ninth Plan period up to 2001-2002, the area under irrigation through Major and Medium Irrigation Projects had increased to 29.72 lakh hectares. During the Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-2007), an additional irrigation potential of 6939 hectares (target 9023 ha) has been created.
The state is now constrained to find additional water resources through ‘trans basin’ diversion of water from the neighbouring states, namely, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh which are blessed with rich water resources. This involves ‘inter state’ agreements and major policy interventions at the National level.
219 Financial performance
As against the outlay of Rs.1670 crore for major and medium irrigation and flood control, an amount of Rs.1230.34 crore was spent, which works out to 74% of the Tenth Plan outlay. In order to rehabilitate and modernize the storage and conveyance systems and to facilitate taking over the operation and maintenance of the tank irrigation system by the farmers, thereby improving the economic status of the farming community, the Water Resource Consolidation Project (WRCP) funded by the World Bank has been implemented during the Tenth Plan period. System improvement and Farmers Turnover (SIFT) are the main components of the project besides completion of the ongoing Medium and Minor Irrigation Projects.
The Tenth Plan outlay and expenditure under Major, Medium Irrigation and Flood Control is given in Table 5.1. 8.
Table 5.1. 8
To alleviate the problem of coastal erosion at a number of locations causing not only loss of valuable land but also endangering human life, anti-sea erosion and flood control works have been taken up and completed at a cost of Rs.164.81 cores. After the Tsunami in 2004, a detailed project report for Coastal protection at a cost of Rs.696 crore was prepared. During the Tenth Plan period, an outlay of Rs.50 crore was spent for implementation of this project using the 12th Finance Commission grant.
‘The Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Management of Irrigation system (TAMIL NADUFMIS) Act’, was enacted in the year 2000 to actively involve the farmers
220 of all the irrigation systems maintained and managed by the Water Resources Organisation (WRO). A total number of 1566 Water Users Associations (WUA) were delineated and managing committees were constituted for 1552 WUAs. The responsibilities of Operation and Maintenance of the minor distribution system have been handed over to all these WUAs during 2004. These associations were also given a one time assistance of Rs.100 per ha. to facilitate their operation.
Minor Irrigation As against the outlay of Rs.500 crore, an amount of Rs.446.57 crore was spent, which worked out to an achievement of 89%. The important sources of Minor Irrigation, i.e., tanks, wells and tube wells, contribute significantly to irrigated agriculture in Tamil Nadu. Tanks and wells extend irrigation support to an extent of about 18 lakh ha. which accounts for 70 percent of the total irrigated area. Fifteen Minor irrigation works and 14 Special Minor Irrigation Works at a total cost of Rs.56.99 crore have been executed using state funds. Under NABARD assisted projects, Minor Irrigation works and Canal Rehabilitation works have been taken up at a total cost of Rs.729 crore during the Tenth Five Year Plan period and the expenditure was around Rs.452 crore. The Public Works Department is maintaining 10540 System and Non- system tanks each commanding more than 100 acres. Out of these, 1750 tanks have been desilted and modernized at a cost of Rs.105 crore. Under centrally sponsored scheme, 46 tanks in Villupuram and Sivagangai districts have been taken up for modernization at a cost of Rs.10.59 crore. The work is in progress with targeted date of completion by 2007.
The Tenth Five Year Plan outlay and expenditure under Minor irrigation is given in Table 5.1. 9.
221 Table 5.1. 9
Monitoring and assessment of ground water involves multi-disciplinary studies. This is done through the State Ground & Surface Water Resources Data Centre (SG& SWRDC). Realizing the importance of preventing over exploitation of ground water for sustained development, the Government of Tamil Nadu has enacted “The Tamil Nadu Ground Water (Development and Management) Act” in the year 2003. As a prelude to the implementation of this Act, a Well Census has been taken up. As per the study, the total number of wells in the state is about 37 lakhs.
Command Area Development Programme (CADP)
The Command Area Development Programme (CADP) and Water Management Programme are being implemented in the state with an aim to improve the water use efficiency in canal irrigated areas.
The Agricultural Engineering Department implements the Command Area Development Programme in various command areas as a shared programme between the State and Government of India. At present, the programme is implemented in Cauvery basin, Parambikulam Aliyar Basin, Tambiraparani
222 River Basin projects, Gadana, Ramanadhi Irrigation System, Nambiyar River Basin System, Patchaiyar River Basin system, Manimuthar Irrigation system, Aanaimaduvu system, Chinnar Reservoir System and Maruthanathi system. During the Tenth Plan, the programme was implemented covering an area of 1.91 lakh ha. with a state share of Rs.97.34 crore. The programme has been completed during 2006-07 in Aanaimaduvu system, Chinnar Reservoir System and Maruthanathi system. The Tenth Five Year Plan outlay and expenditure under CADP is given in Table 5.1. 10. Table 5.1. 10
The Command Area Development Programme and Water Management Programme is implemented basically to ensure improved irrigated agriculture as a central theme. The activities under the programme relate to efficient utilization of irrigation facilities through the following three major components: 1. On-Farm Development (OFD), 2. Rotational Water Supply (RWS) and 3. Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM), Reclamation of waterlogged areas, Saline and alkaline patches are also taken up by the Agricultural Engineering Department under this programme.
As against the outlay of Rs.175 crore, an amount of Rs.97.34 crore (state share) was spent during the Tenth Five Year Plan.
5.1.3. Eleventh Five Year Plan A) Major and Medium Irrigation Constraints
The total demand and supply gap of water is very high. The challenge in the current situation is how best this gap can be bridged, either by reducing the demand or by efficient water management.
223 Objectives
The major objective of the irrigation sector is to maximize the productivity per unit of water so as to increase the income of the farmers and promote equity and social justice among the users of water. This will be achieved through preservation and stabilization of the existing water resources with emphasis on improvement in the performance. It is also aimed to maximise agricultural production by way of increasing the area under irrigation and by improving the water use efficiency through micro irrigation and other water saving methods. Participatory Irrigation Management will be promoted to make water use more equitable as well as to provide flood protection and drainage.
Strategy and Thrust areas for the Eleventh Five Year Plan
To achieve the above objectives, the following strategies are proposed for the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
Surface Irrigation
i) To augment the surface water potential by way of inter-basin transfer. It is proposed to assign priority and effectively pursue the interlinking of the Peninsular rivers. Interlinking of rivers within the state will also be taken up simultaneously after due investigation.
ii) To ensure reliable, equitable supply of water to all water users. Water allocation priorities shall be drinking water, irrigation, hydropower, ecology, industries and navigation.
iii) To have a Multi-Disciplinary approach to work in an integrated manner in modernizing irrigated agriculture.
iv) To create WUA’s in all command areas and to hand over the distribution and maintenance of channels, branch and distributaries, in order to reduce the maintenance cost and to ensure equal distribution of water.
v) To take up on priority the drainage works in the major rivers, canals and tanks.
224 vi) To give priority for restoration and maintenance of the existing water bodies besides restoring the flood affected water courses and water bodies permanently.
vii) To utilize surface waters flowing into the sea wherever possible, by putting up small structures to divert the water to needy areas.
Ground water, Rainwater harvesting
i) To implement the Ground water (Development & Management) Act, 2003.
ii) To assess the ground water potential on mini watershed basis for planning the ground water development
iii) To carry out water conservation measures such as Artificial Recharge and Rain Water Harvesting wherever found feasible
Others
i) To encourage stakeholders’ involvement in Planning, development, utilization and management of water resources and development of four tier level farmers organization for efficient irrigation management.
ii) To conduct performance evaluation of all irrigation systems which could help to identify the deficiencies and carry out the improvements in the canals and other control and measuring structures.
iii) To intensify the public awareness and training activities on water management in order to increase the efficiency of water use.
Eleventh Five Year Plan Programmes A) Major, Medium Irrigation and Flood Control Ongoing Schemes
1) Construction of Bed Dam and Dividing wall across Palar near Kavasampattu Village and re-grading the existing Goddar river in Vellore District
An amount of Rs.3.50 crore has been provided during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period for the Construction of Bed Dam and Dividing wall across
225 Palar near Kavasampattu Village and the existing Goddar river in Vellore district under loan assistance from NABARD under RIDF Scheme.
2) Improvement of Veeranam Lake for water supply
The project is envisaged for the supply of 190 Mld. of water to Chennai city. Due to escalation in the cost of construction materials and labour, the revised cost is estimated to be around Rs.150 crore. By improvements to the conveyance system, 56,034 acres of ayacut area is expected to receive uninterrupted irrigation facility. Major portion of the works are completed. An amount of Rs.29.70 crore is provided during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period.
3) Malattar Anicut Scheme in Sengapadi Village in Ramnad District
This is a project which proposes an anicut across the Malattar river below the existing Kamudhi regulator and just below the confluence point of Gridhamal and Paralayar rivers with the Malattar. This scheme will benefit stabilisation of an extent of 1539 hectares besides bridging a gap of 358 hectares under the existing 54 tanks in Kamudhi and Kadaladi taluks. To complete the above work, an amount of Rs.11.61 crore have been provided during the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
4) Vaigai Reservoir - Irrigation facilities to 58 villages in Usilampatti Taluk in Madurai District
Under this scheme, excavation of a high level canal of 27.26 Kilo metre from the proposed head works on the right flank of the Vaigai Dam from the spillway established in 1996 to provide irrigation facilities to 58 villages in Usilampatti Taluk by utilizing the surplus flood water from Vaigai Reservoir will be taken up. It includes formation of 3 new tanks to get supply from the above high-level canal. By implementing this scheme, 570 hectares of wet lands will be stabilized besides bridging a gap of 128 hectares of wet lands under 29 existing tanks and 3 existing ponds in Usilampatti taluk. Further new dry ayacut of 227 hectares will be brought under irrigation through three new tanks. To complete the above work, an amount of Rs.28.70 crore have been proposed for the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
226 5) Formation of a reservoir across Malattar River near Bathalapalli village in Gudiyatham Taluk, Vellore District
The cost of this project was Rs.29.55 crore. An extent of 1,064 hectares of ayacut will be stabilized besides bridging the gap of 61 hectares in Gudiyatham Taluk. Drinking water facilities will also be provided to Peranampet town and the wayside villages besides water for industrial purposes. This scheme will improve the water quality of the wells in the area now affected by pollution from tanneries. An amount of Rs.27.43 crore has been proposed for this scheme during the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
6) Excavation of new supply channel from Badathalav tank to Vennampalli in Dharmapuri District.
Under this scheme, the surplus water from Badathalav Tank is proposed to be conveyed through supply channels to Vennampalli and 10 other tanks upto Kashimpur tank to irrigate direct ayacut of 542 hectare and indirect ayacut of 607 hectare. The work is executed with NABARD loan assistance. About 80% of the work has been completed. Further work is in progress and will be completed during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period. An amount of Rs.6.02 crore is proposed for this purpose.
7) Construction of New tanks, Canals and Renovation of Existing Irrigation system with loan assistance from NABARD under RIDF X schemes
During 2005-06, the Government have sanctioned a sum of Rs.61 crore for implementation of more than 25 schemes viz., Extension of right main canal of Krishnagiri Reservoir for supplying of water Bommasamudram, Kariyamangalan and Thindal Tank in Palacode Taluk of Krishnagiri District (Rs.7.06 crore), Construction of anicut across Markandanadhi in Cigarapalli Village of Krishnagiri Taluk (Rs.2.33 crore), Construction of an anicut across Nalliuppodai to feed Nambipuram tank in Ettayapuram Taluk of Thoothukudi District (Rs.1.14 crore), Rehabilitation of Dhali Channel system and Valayapalayam system in Udumalpet Taluk of Coimbatore District (Rs.4.41 crore), Modernisation and upgrading the standards of Bargur supply channel (Rs.5.15 crore), Modernisation and upgrading the standards of supply channel of Penukondapuram Tank (Rs.4.26 crore), Rehabilitation of Cauvery, Vennar
227 Regulators (Rs.17.38 crore), Formation of New Tank across Viswakudi Kallar Odai in Thondamanathurai village of Perambalur District (Rs.7.23 crore). Most of the above works are in progress.
Overall, an amount of Rs.37.65 crore is proposed for implementation of these ongoing schemes sanctioned using NABARD funds during the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
8) Renovation of existing Irrigation channels, tanks and strengthening of Dams with loan assistance from NABARD under RIDF - XI Schemes.
The Government have sanctioned an amount of Rs.53.29 crore with loan assistance from NABARD under RIDF XI-Batch-1 for Renovation of lower Bhavani Dam, Sholayar Dam, Ayyangudi Channel, Sirumarudhur Channel, Kalakkamangalam Channel, Manimuthar Main Canal and Kanadian Channel.
Similarly, during 2006-07 the Government have sanctioned 17 projects at a cost of Rs.71.39 crore for ongoing and new works viz., Rehabilitation of Sholayar Dam and Bhavani Dam (Rs.13.76 core), formation of a new tank across odai near Seelanalyakkanpatti (Rs.1.69 crore), Modernisation of Sirumaruthur main channel (Rs.1.33 crore), construction of an anicut across the surplus course of Kannankottai Issa Rajaneri tank (Rs.1.00 crore). The works on the above schemes are in the initial stage.
The Government have also sanctioned an amount of Rs. 18.98 crore for 11 minor irrigation works under RIDF XI Batch-3.
An amount of Rs.41.02 crore is provided for the ongoing works under these schemes during the Eleventh Plan period.
9) Implementation of Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)
The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was launched during 1996-97 to give loan assistance to the states to help them complete some of the incomplete major/medium irrigation projects, which were in an advanced stage of completion. The criteria for AIBP have been further relaxed from April 2005 to include minor irrigation schemes of non-special category states with potential more than 100 ha. with preference to Tribal Areas and drought- prone areas which wholly benefit Scheduled Castes and Tribals. Extension,
228 renovation and modernisation schemes have also been included on a selective basis. Drought-prone, flood-prone and tribal areas are eligible for 90% central funding. Proposals will be formulated for this scheme and sent to Government of India. An amount of Rs.50.00 crore is proposed for Eleventh Five Year Plan period for the state contribution for this scheme.
10) Formation of 18th Canal across Vairavanar River
The formation of 18th Canal across Vairavanar river by which Uthamapalayam Taluk will benefit to an extent of 511.16 hectares through stabilisation besides bridging a gap of 73.90 hectares and a new area of 22.81 hectares has been taken up during the Tenth Plan. About 71% of the work has been completed and the remaining work will be completed during Eleventh Plan period for which an amount of Rs.13.60 crore is proposed.
11) Formation of Reservoir across Mambazhathuraiyar
It was proposed to stabilise 3.57 hectares to bridge a gap of 25.82 hectares in single crop and 18.14 hectares in second crop and to provide irrigation facilities to an extent of 308.98 hectares in Kalkulam Taluk by formation of a reservoir under the Mambazhathuraiyar. An amount of Rs.14.18 crore is proposed for this scheme during the Plan period.
12) Desilting, Widening and Strengthening works under Emergency Tsunami Reconstruction Project (ETRP) with assistance from World Bank - PWD (WRO)
Works taken up under the Emergency Tsunami Reconstruction Project with World Bank assistance include desilting, widening and strengthening of the banks of Vedaranyam Canal, South Buckingham Canal, Nathikanni Manniar drain, Vellapallam Uppanar drain, Vellaiyur straight cut, Kaduvayur drain and North Buckingham canal. An amount of Rs.14.30 crore is proposed to complete the works which have been commenced at the beginning of the Eleventh Plan period.
13) Chennai Flood Relief with HUDCO Assistance Works -Chennai City Water Ways
The ten water ways to Chennai city, having a total length of 87.80 km. are polluted by discharges of untreated sewerage and disposal of solid waste,
229 thereby causing environment and health hazard to the public. The formation of sand bars in the river mouths, silting of water ways and encroachments severely reduce the carrying capacity of the waterways leading to inundation of low lying areas during heavy rains.
An amount of Rs. 200 crore is proposed during the Eleventh Five Year Plan for improvements to the Buckingham canal, Cooum River, Adayar River channel, flood defenses and resectioning of other major drains in Chennai Metropolitan area, improvements to Virugambakkam drain, Otteri Nullah and drainage relief to Velachery area.
14) Expenditure met from Grants-in-Aid recommended by the 12th Finance Commission towards implementation of Anti Sea Erosion and Coastal Protection Work
The Twelfth Finance Commission has allotted Grants-in-Aid of Rs.38.30 crore for coastal protection works. The High Level Committee has selected and prioritized 30 locations for Anti-Sea Erosion Works based on the report given by the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai.
New Schemes 1. Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water Bodies Restoration and Management (IAMWARM) Project
In a predominantly agricultural state like Tamil Nadu, there is a need for intensifying all efforts to improve agricultural productivity, quality and income. Long-term growth in agriculture depends mostly on increasing the efficiency in use of water. An urgent need in this area is strengthening and integrating institutional structures, which can help small and marginal farmers to a great extent. The Expert Committee on “Development and Management of Water Resources” constituted by the Government of Tamil Nadu during July 2000 has observed that bringing additional area into cultivation is remote but the challenge is, how best to bridge the gap in cultivation by reducing demand and by effective water management and adoption of modern agricultural techniques (Micro Irrigation etc). The committee also recommended an Integrated Water Resources Management Approach involving Line Departments for development and management of water resources in Tamil Nadu as the desired option. It is in this background that the Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water Bodies Restoration and Management
230 (IAMWARM) Project at an estimated cost of Rs.2547 crore was approved by the World Bank for the development of 63 sub-basins. An amount of Rs.1050 crore is proposed as outlay for this project during the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
IAMWARM- Project Objective
The IAMWARM project aims to improve the service delivery and productivity of irrigated agriculture with effective integrated water resources management in a sub-basin framework in Tamil Nadu.
Components
The specific components of the project include: a) Irrigation Systems Modernisation in a Sub-basin Framework
This component seeks to improve the bulk water delivery through modernisation of irrigation systems and service delivery and management of schemes in about 63 selected project sub-basins over an area of 6.17 lakh hectares. Activities will be carried out with a base cost of Rs.1273 crore under two sub-components; first involving tank system modernisation by restoring and repairing water bodies and the second, improving canal irrigation system through repairs, lining and rehabilitation of control structures. b) Agricultural Intensification and Diversification
This component seeks to build upon the improved bulk water delivery of the above component to increase the productivity of agriculture-related activities through improved agricultural intensification, diversification, micro irrigation, animal husbandry & fisheries in the 63 selected sub-basins. Agriculture and allied Departments will implement this component with a base cost of Rs.748 crore. c) Institutional Modernisation for Irrigated Agriculture
This component seeks to improve the institutional capacity for modern, efficient and accountable irrigation service delivery. The scope of this activity is statewide. These activities will be implemented through the WRO and the Water User Associations (WUAs). The activities are proposed with a base cost of Rs.237 crore and expected to substantially scale-up the institutional capacity
231 of the WRO to design, monitor, maintain and modernize their assets in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner using appropriate state-of- art techniques and to more effectively interact with much stronger WUAs. The WUAs would be utilized to implement Participatory Irrigation Management by involving the agriculturists of the area. d) Water Resources Management
The objective of this component is to improve the institutional arrangements and capacity for sustainable water resources management in the state. This will include the creation of a State Water Resources Management Agency (SWaRMA), amalgamating the existing Institute for Water Studies and the State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre and formation of Basin Boards. These activities are to be implemented with the base cost of Rs.22.50 crore by the SWaRMA (and its predecessor institutions till this is formed), the WRO and Basin Boards. These investments should make Tamil Nadu one of the best examples of operationalising modern sustainable Water Resources Planning and Management concept in a basin framework among the Indian states. e) Project Management Support (Base cost - Rs.37.50 crore)
This component will support the management and co-ordination efforts related to this project. This component will be implemented by the Multi- Disciplinary Project Unit (MDPU). It is expected that the project activities would help the MDPU to improve its institutional coordination the function, remain on top of the status of project activities and undertake corrective measures as required. f) Project Implementation
The Project will be implemented over a period of six years. The main implementing agencies will be the Water Resources Organisation (WRO), Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Horticulture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Agricultural Marketing, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Departments with management support and coordination provided by the Multi-Disciplinary Project Unit (MDPU). It is proposed to commence the implementation of the project from financial year 2007-2008 onwards. The total project outlay including physical and a price contingency is assessed as
232 Rs. 2547 crore, of which the outlay for the irrigation sector is Rs.1050 crore for the Eleventh Plan.
2. Flood protection works in Cauvery & Coleron river from Upper Anicut to sea, Sellur tanks etc. in Madurai city and diverting floods from Ariyar and Korayar in Tiruchi town
It was proposed to divert flood water of Koraiyaru, Kudamurutti river, Ariyar river and Uyyakondan Channels through Canals and Tanks and reroute the surplus water to Agniyar river to benefit dry areas of Pudukottai districts. As a first phase, to relieve the flood inundation in Trichy town, a scheme for improvements to Koraiyar Anicut, Kudamurutti and Uyyakondan channels has been proposed and are under consideration by NABARD for sanction. In phase II, diversion of flood flows will be taken up. Detailed investigation is under progress in that direction. An amount of Rs.211.36 crore is proposed for above flood protection works.
3. Flood protection works in Chennai Metropolitan Area
Flood protection works are required to prevent inundation of houses in low lying areas in Chennai city during the rainy season and to ensure free flow of storm water to the sea through Cooum, Adayar, Kosasthalaiyar, Otteri Nallah, Virugambakkam and Arumbakkam Canals and Pallikaranai swamp. Proposals have been formulated for taking up these works under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) at a cost of Rs.230 crore.
4. One time functional grant to Water Users Associations (WUA’s)
The Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) conceptually aims to ensure farmers participation in the operation and maintenance of the distribution system of irrigation. The Government of Tamil Nadu have enacted TAMIL NADUFMIS Act 2000 for the purpose and this has been brought into force in 20 districts covering 6 lakh hectares of command area. To establish a WUA, an amount of Rs.600 per ha is provided to WUA. Similarly, it is decided to provide a one time functional management grant of Rs.600 per ha. to non-Command Area Development Water Management Water Users Associations. Towards this grant an amount of Rs.54 crore is proposed.
233 5. Cauvery, Vennar and Grant Anicut (GAC) System rehabilitation and strengthening control
The age old Cauvery Delta system has been deteriorating for want of adequate funds for rehabilitation and modernization proposals. In order to ensure that the irrigation efficiency of the Cauvery Delta is achieved, a scheme for effective control and distribution is proposed to be taken up in the Eleventh Plan at a cost of Rs.40.00 crore.
6. For New Schemes under Major & Medium Irrigation programme
20 new Major and Medium Irrigation Schemes including schemes for permanent restoration of flood protection works in Cauvery and Kollidam from Upper Anicut to sea and Madurai town (Sellur tank, Sathiyar Odai from Thirupalai tank to Vandhiyur tank in Madurai District) are proposed to be taken up during this Plan Period at an estimated cost of Rs.100.00 crore with assistance from NABARD.
7. Feasibility study for interlinking Cauvery with Vaigai, Gundar to divert flood from Cauvery
An amount of Rs.5.00 crore is proposed for undertaking the feasibility study for interlinking River Cauvery with the Vaigai and Gundar to divert flood flows from the Cauvery and use the surplus water productively.
8. New proposal for Coastal Protection Works
The proposal for coastal protection works costing Rs.646 crore has been sent to Government of India for funding. Subject to the clearance, a sum of Rs.1.00 crore is proposed for the Eleventh Plan as state share for undertaking the base work.
The scheme wise outlays for ongoing and new scheme under Major, Medium irrigation and Flood Control is given in Table 5.1. 11.
234 Table 5.1. 11
235 236 B) Minor Irrigation Ongoing schemes 1. Groundwater Survey in Tamil Nadu
Ground water has become a valuable resource for meeting the drinking water requirements and for agricultural development. Tamil Nadu having almost fully utilized the surface water resources has now turned to the other alternative source viz., ground water for further requirement. Though ground water is a renewable natural resource, its occurrence and movement is controlled by the hydro metrological and hydro geological environs which are not uniform in the state of Tamil Nadu. As a result, variation in the quantitative and qualitative distribution of this valuable resource has occurred. Continuous monitoring is required to ensure that the resource does not get irreparably depleted. An amount of Rs.12.70 crore is proposed for a ground water survey to assess the status and identify critical hot spots.
2) Special Minor Irrigation Project with loan assistance from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)
This scheme contemplates formation of new tanks, construction of anicuts, excavation of link channels, restoration of abandoned tanks, formation of ponds and standardization of tanks etc. leading to assured irrigation and creating additional irrigation potential. Desilting-cum-reclamation schemes contemplate desilting of tanks to restore the lost capacity due to siltation with reclamation of foreshore lands. An amount of Rs.324.82 crore is proposed for this programme.
3. Implementation of the World Bank Aided Hydrology Project II
Hydrology project I has established a hydrological information system with facilities to collect, store and disseminate Hydrological, Hydro meteorological and Hydro geological data. To transform the available data into technical information for the use of policy makers and Planners, the Hydrology project II has been taken up.
The Government of Tamil Nadu have given its concurrence for the project, which consists of the following salient features:
Consolidation of Hydrology project phase-1 activities.
237 Creation of awareness about water resources, dissemination of data to users and sharing of knowledge in water resource among the water users.
Development of Hydrological Design aids for surface water and Groundwater development projects.
Development of Decision support systems for integrated Planning and management of water resources in the river basins of Tamil Nadu. Three different applications will be taken up viz., flood management in Tambiraparani basin, drought monitoring, assessment and management in Vaippar basin and conjunctive use of surface and ground water in Agniar basin.
Purpose driven studies like pollution of water sources, artificial recharge of ground water etc. in a basin as required by the state during the course of the project.
The Project agreement has been signed and the project is proposed to be implemented within six years from April 2006.
The project will be of immense use for the long-term water planning of the state. An amount of Rs. 25.27 crore is proposed for implementation of the above scheme.
4. Special Minor Irrigation Programme
An amount of Rs.27.00 crore is proposed for the Special Minor Irrigation programme during the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
New Schemes
1. Special Minor Irrigation Project with Loan assistance from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)
Under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund, the Government have sanctioned 38 minor irrigation modernization schemes. The works sanctioned under the scheme are in progress. An amount of Rs.1.00 crore is proposed for the above schemes.
Further, modernization of 407 tanks is being taken up with an outlay of Rs.50 crore using loan assistance of NABARD. Under ‘Integrated water
238 resource management project’, 97 tanks are being modernized with an outlay of Rs.3.50 crore using NABARD funds.
2. Restoration and Deepening Programme for Traditional Irrigation Tanks under the control of Public Works Department (PWD)
For restoration and deepening programme for traditional irrigation tanks under the control of PWD, 250 tanks have been taken up for execution and the works are under progress. An amount of Rs.20.01 crore is proposed for the above scheme.
3. Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water Bodies Restoration and Management (IAMWARM)
An amount of Rs.250 crore is proposed for improving the service delivery of minor irrigation works under World Bank assisted IAMWARM project. The details about this scheme are given in the earlier portion of the chapter.
4. Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project
The rehabilitation and improvement of 22 dams including institutional strengthening has been proposed under Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project at a cost of Rs.10.00 crore.
5. Construction of Check Dam in Tribal Areas under Tribal Area Sub- Plan (TSP)
For construction of check dam in Tribal area (Kollimalai Hills), Trichy District, an amount of Rs.0.70 crore is proposed.
The scheme wise outlay for Eleventh Five Year Plan for the Minor irrigation sector is given in Table 5.1.12.
239 Table 5.1. 12
Command Area Development and Water Management Programme
The Command Area Development and Water Management Programme in the six ongoing projects will be continued during the Eleventh Five Year Plan also with an outlay of Rs.48.00 crore to cover an area of 40,100 hectare with on farm development works.
In addition to the above ongoing project, it is proposed to include 20 new project areas in the programme which includes the following: Vallar River Basin Project (Rs.9.63 crore), Kodaganar Reservoir projects (Rs.4.58 crore), Varadhamanadhi Reservoir Project (Rs.2.29 crore), Parappalar Reservoir Project (Rs.1.01 crore), Vaigai Link canal project (Rs.1.83 crore), Ramanathapuram Big Tank project (Rs. 2.30 crore), Rajasingamangalam Tank (Rs.5.72 crore), Vembakkottai Reservoir Project (Rs.3.56 crore), Golwarpatti Reservoir Project (Rs.2.00 crore), Pilavakkal Reservoir Project (Rs.3.66 crore), Gundar, Chittar & Karuppanadhi Project (Rs.18.03 crore), Neyyar-Kanniyakumari Branch canal Project (Rs.2.68 crore), Willington Reservoir Project (Rs.11.78 crore),
240 Gomukhinadhi Reservoir Project (Rs.2.01 crore), Tirukoilur Anicut Project (Rs.10.51 crore), Manimuktha Reservoir Project (Rs.1.89 crore), Vaniyar Reservoir System (Rs.4.59 crore), Ichambadi Anicut Project (Rs.2.69 crore), Kodiveri Anicut Project (Rs.10.60 crore) and Vattamalaikkarai odai Anicut Project (Rs.2.67 crore). Totally it is proposed to cover an area of 93,316 ha under new projects with an outlay of Rs.100.00 crore.
The outlay for ongoing and new schemes of Command Area Development is given in Table 5.1.13.
Table 5.1.13
Monitorable Target for CADP
i. Under the ongoing programme, it is proposed to cover 40,100 ha. with on farm development of CADP & WM.
ii. Under new schemes, it is proposed to cover 93,316 ha. under CADP & WM.
241