IRRIGATION PROJECTS OF FROM 2001-2021

NAME – VRINDA GUPTA

INSTITUTION – K.R. MANGALAM UNIVERSITY

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ABSTRACT

From the ancient times water is always most important for agriculture purpose for growing crops. Since thousand years, humans have relied on agriculture to feed their communities and they have needed irrigation to water their crops. Irrigation includes artificially applying water to the land to enhance the growing of crops. Over the years, irrigation has come in many different forms in countries all over the world. Irrigation projects involves hydraulic structures which collect, convey and deliver water to those areas on which crops are grown. Irrigation projects unit may starts from a small farm unit to those serving extensive areas of millions of hectares. Irrigation projects consist of two types first a small irrigation project and second a large irrigation project. Small irrigation project includes a low diversion or an inexpensive pumping plant along with small channels and some minor control structures. Large irrigation project includes a huge dam, a large storage reservoir, hundreds kilometers of canals, branches and distributaries, control structures and other works. In this paper we discussing about irrigation plan of Tamil Nadu from 2001-2021.

INTRODUCTION

Water is the important or elixir of life, a precious gift of nature to humans and millions of other species living on the earth. It is hard to find in most part of the world. 4% of ’s land area in Tamil Nadu and inhabited by 6% of India’s population but water resources in India is only 2.5%. In Tamil Nadu, water is a serious limiting factor for agriculture growth which leads to irrigation reduces risk in farming, increases crop productivity, provides higher employment opportunities to the rural areas and increases farmer income.

There are two types of irrigation sources that is surface water and ground water. Surface water is more than 95% and ground water is 80% which have been already in use.

The total surface water potential is 36 km or 24864 M cum. In the state, there are 17 major river basins with 61 reservoirs and about 41,948 tanks. The annual water potential is 46540 million cubic meters (MCM), surface flows account for about half. Most of the surface water has already been tapped which is the largest user used primarily for irrigation. Through major, medium and minor schemes, 24 lakh hectares are irrigated by surface water. 90% utilisation of surface water for irrigation.

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The utilisable groundwater recharge is 22,423 MCM. The current level of usage shows the draft of net ground water is 13.558 MCM is about 60 per cent of the available recharge, while 8875 MCM (40 per cent) is the balance available for use. Over the last five years, the percentage of safe blocks has declined from 35.6 per cent to 25.2 per cent while the semi-critical blocks have gone up by a similar percentage. Over-exploitation has already occurred in more than a third of the blocks (35.8 per cent) while eight blocks (2 per cent) have turned saline.1

Human consumption, animal consumption, irrigation and industrial use are involves in major uses of water. In Tamil Nadu, the demand of water is increasing at a fast rate due to increasing population and also larger per capita needs economic growth. Tamil Nadu id heavily dependent on monsoon rains.

There are 17 river basins in Tamil Nadu in which Cauvery is only major basin, 13 basins are medium and 3 are minor river basins.

1 Water Resources In Tamil Nadu, ENVIS CENTRE : TAMIL NADU (Jan. 13,2020), http://tnenvis.nic.in/Database/TN- ENVIS_791.aspx

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From the following below given map, it shows that rivers which flow through this southernmost region of the Indian peninsula are:

Bhavani River: Fed, mostly, by the southwestern monsoon, this is one of the main

tributaries of the river .

Cheyyar River: This tributary of River Palar is a major seasonal river that flows through

the district of Tiruvannamalai.

Chittar River: The main river originates from the Hills of the Shencottah Taluk and in the district of . It flows through the state along with its 5

tributaries.

Ponniyar River: Flowing across the borders in between the taluks of Villupuram and

Cuddalore, it finally drains into the .

Thamirabarani River: This river originates from the peaks named Agathimalai,

Aduppukkal Mottai and Cherumunji Mottai in the .

Vaigai River: While flowing towards the Palk Strait, it changes its course towards the south

east near Sholavandan and passes through the town of Madurai.

Gundar River: It mainly flows through the districts of Tirunelveli and Virudhunagar in

Tamil Nadu.

Noyil River: This tributary of Kaveri flows through Dharapuram taluk and Palladam taluk

in district and Coimbatore district respectively.

Suruli River: This originates from the Suruli Waterfall, which is among the major tourist

attractions in the Theni district.

Vaipar River: With its origination in the bordering hills of the state, the river runs

through the Virudhunagar district as well as the Theni district.2

2 Water Resources In Tamil Nadu, ENVIS CENTRE : TAMIL NADU (Jan. 13,2020), http://tnenvis.nic.in/Database/TN- ENVIS_791.aspx

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In Tamil Nadu, the minor and medium irrigation scheme are implemented for increasing the irrigation for agriculture. There are various sources of irrigation that is canals, springs, tanks and wells like open wells and tube wells.

SOURCES OF IRRIGATION

1. CANALS (INCULDING SYSTEM TANKS) In Tamil Nadu, canals are the major source of irrigation. The area irrigated by the source is classified under canals, as the system tanks get supply from a permanent storage such as reservoirs, dams, etc. the net area irrigated by all sources in the state is 27.4% for canal irrigation. System tanks during the year under review was 8, 00,161 hectare as against 7, 53,819 hectare recording an increase of 46,342 hectare that is 6.1% of the net area irrigated by canals. The highest net area irrigated by canals in district with 1, 47.564 hectare (18.7%) followed by district with 1, 34,634 hectare (17.4%) and district with 1,25,014 hectare (15.7%) of the total net area irrigated by canals in the state. 2. TANKS (NON- SYSTEM TANKS ONLY)

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The non- system tanks which are partly from the diversion of river water and jungle streams depend fully on rain and fed partly from their independent catchment areas. The non- system tanks cover the net area irrigated is 5, 75,352 hectare registering an increase of 1, 09,997 hectare or 23.6% over previous year. During the year, the extent of area irrigated by tanks is the highest in Sivagangai district with 12.7% followed by Pudukkottai district with 12.5%, Villupuram district with 10.6% and Kancheepuram district with 10.6%. 3. WELLS In Tamil Nadu, wells are the principal source of irrigation. There are two types of wells that is open wells and tube wells which are continued to be the principal sources of irrigation. The net area irrigated by open wells and tube wells together accounted for 15, 36,808 hectare about 52.6% of the total net area irrigated showing an increase of 1,36,414 hectare that is 9.7%. During the year, the highest net area irrigated by wells in Villupuram district with 11.41% of the total net area irrigated by the wells in the state followed by 7.5% in Coimbatore district and 7.0% in Thiurvanmalai district. 4. GROSS AREA IRRIGATED Gross area irrigated involves the net area irrigated and the area irrigated more than once. Gross area irrigated by all sources is 33, 96,600 hectare registering an increase of 3, 09,592 hectare or 10.0% over the previous year due to better rainfall. 5. IRRIGATION INTENSITY The irrigation intensity is 1.16 for the state (the ratio of gross area irrigated to net area irrigated). In the districts of Kanyakumari is 1.40, Thiruvallur is 1.40, Thiruvannamalai is 1.36, Kancheepuram is 1.27, Tirunelveli is 1.26 and Nagapattinam is 1.22 are the highest significantly ratio. IRRIGATION SYSTEMS The irrigation system consists of: A Conveyance System A Distribution System- assures the transport of water through field ditches to the irrigated fields. A Drainage System- removes the excess water from the fields. A Field Application System- assures the transport of water within the fields.

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A Main Intake Structure or Main Pumping Station- directs water from the source of supply like reservoir or a river into the irrigation system.

There are two types of irrigation systems: 1. Surface Irrigation Systems In surface irrigation systems, water is diverted from the rivers and streams. When they are flowing (diversion works) for irrigating the stored upstream side or standing crops by constructing barrier across the flow (reservoirs/ tanks) for future use. There are four types of surface irrigation systems: ▪ Canal System ▪ Diversion Systems ▪ Reservoir or Tank System ▪ River Systems 2. Groundwater Irrigation Systems Groundwater is the underground water which occurs in the standard zone. Its variable thickness and depths below the earth surface. It is utilized through wells by using various lifting devices such as those using animals, diesel or electric power, manual, wind, etc. There are two types of wells that is: ▪ Open Wells or Dug Wells – traditional method which is use for tapping groundwater. ▪ Tube Wells or Bore Wells – use for subsequent development. 1. SURFACE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS ▪ CANAL SYSTEMS Surface water are stored in major and medium irrigation projects. It diverted directly or distributed directly for irrigation through the canal irrigation network to reach the fields to be irrigated. The canal irrigation networks consists of • CANALS:

The canals are divided into two:

1. Main Canal: It supply directly from the reservoir or the river. In India, its capacity varies from 280 to 425 cubic meter per sec.

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2. Branch Canals: These canals came from main canal. It conveys water to different major parts of irrigated areas. Branch canals are generally carry a discharge from 4 to 8.5 cubic meter per sec. • CANAL OUTLETS:

Canal outlets are provided in irrigation canal system at appropriate points. The size are depends on irrigated area. Discharge of outlet varies from the level of water in the channel.

• DISTRIBUTARIES:

These distributaries divided into two:

1. Major Distributaries: It takes from branch canals and sometimes from main canals. It supplies water to distributaries or outlets. Between 0.75 and 5.5 cubic meter per sec they generally carry discharge. 2. Minor Distributaries: These are smaller channels taking their supply from major distributaries and supplying water to outlets. Less than 750 l per second is the carrying capacity. • WATERCOURSE:

It is from any channel which supply water from canal but it is not maintained at the cost of government. They pass through common land and it is maintained by farmers.

• FIELDCHANNELS:

From the watercourse they carry water to individual fields.

CANAL SYSTEM IN TAMIL NADU3

Canal irrigation is popular in deltaic and coastal areas with the total of the net cropped area is 29 per cent. There are different types of canal systems that is: 1. Kaveri Delta Canals

3 Irrigation Systems of Tamil Nadu, Sildeshare (Sep. 28,2014), https://www.slideshare.net/rajeshdebnath545/irrigation-systems-of-tamilnadu

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It is the oldest and the longest (6,400 km) irrigation canal system in the state. These canals taken off from the Grand Anicut (built in 1889) irrigates about 5.15 lakh hectares of land in Thanjavur and Tiruchchirappalli districts. 2. Canal System These canals taken out from the Kaveri River () provide irrigation to 1.8 lakh hectares of land in Salem and Coimbatore districts. 3. Lower Bhawani Project Canals Bhawani Sagar reservoir has been constructed over the Bhawani River to irrigate 78.917 hectares of land in Coimbatore district. 4. Project Canals A barrage has been built across the Periyar River and its water is transported to the Suruliyar River (tributary of the ) through a 1737 m tunnel. This water is distributed through 432 km long canals to irrigate about 40,000 hectares of land in Madurai, and Ramanathapuram districts. 5. Katalai Canal The Katalai High Level Canal irrigates 8,300 hectares of land in Thanjavur and Tiruchchirappalli districts. 6. Manimuthar Project Canals The Manimuthar is a tributary of the Tamraparni River over which an earthen dam has been constructed. Canals taken out from this dam irrigate 41,694 hectares of land in Tirunelveli district. 7. Parambikulam-Aliyar Project Canals This is a joint venture of Tamil Nadu and Kerala states under which 244 km long canals have been constructed to utilise the water from eight rivers to irrigate 97.13 thousand hectares of agricultural land. ▪ DIVERSION SYSTEMS The diversion work is used to raise the water level and divert the river or stream flow into canals to irrigate the standing crops of the anicut (small dams). The purpose of small dams, to raise the river water level to feed an off - taking canal and or some other conveyance system. A diversion dam is called a weir or barrage.

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In earlier days, during rainy season the main emphasis was on diverting river and stream flows. Due to snow melt from the Himalayas such schemes were largely developed in Indo- Gangetic plains. Later on this emphasis was given on construction of storage tanks as in . ▪ RESERVOIR OR TANK SYSTEM Tank irrigation is a storage irrigation scheme which is used for the water storage from upstream side of earthen dam is called the bund. These earthen bunds are also called as tank bunds. Especially in south India, these earthen bund reservoirs are known as tanks. A large sized tank is known as a reservoir. Tanks are made up of earthen dams only whereas reservoirs are usually dams made of any material like masonry dam, concrete dam, earth dam, etc. Most of the existing tanks have a depth of 4.5m while a few are as deep as 7 to 9 m and a few exceptional cases which exceeds to 11m in depth. When the depth of tank exceeds to 12m the tank is generally referred as a reservoir. Tank bunds are usually provided with outlets or sluices for discharging water from the tank for irrigation whereas in dam reservoir projects tanks are provided with the surplus escape planning for spilling away the excess surplus water that may enter the tank to avoid over topping of the bund. 2. GROUNDWATER IRRIGATION SYSTEMS ▪ OPEN WELLS OR DUG WELLS Dugout wells up to water bearing strata are called dugout wells or open wells. They have bigger diameter with low discharges of the order of 1 to 5 l per sec. The diameter of open wells usually varies from 2 to 9 m and they are generally less than 20 m in depth. ▪ TUBE WELLS OR BORE WELLS Tube wells are sunk by inserting pipes below ground surface through non-water bearing and water bearing strata. Tube wells or bore wells are classified into four: • DEEP BORE WELLS:

70 to 300 m are as deep and tap more than one aquifer. Such wells may yield as high as 200 to 220 l per sec and the average yield is 40 to 45 l per sec. The diameter of the hole is 0.6 m up to 60 m depth and then 0.56 m below 60m.

• SHALLOW TUBE WELLS:

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If located at proper place, having 20 to 70 m depth may yield as high as 15 to 20 l per sec. Such shallow tube wells can irrigate around 6 hectares.

• CAVITY TYPE TUBE WELL:

It draws water from the well and not from the sides. It consists of a pipe bored through the soil and resting on the bottom of a strong clay layer. A cavity is formed at the bottom and water from the aquifer enters to the well pipe through the cavity.

• SCREEN TYPE TUBE WELLS:

It can easily tap a number of aquifers unlike a cavity well. These are of two types:

1. Strainer tube wells 2. Slotted pipe gravel packed tube wells IRRIGATION PROJECTS FROM 2002-2007

MAJOR AND MEDIUM IRRIGATION AND FLOOD CONTROL

In 1976, the national commission on agriculture assessed the ultimate irrigation potential of Tamil Nadu through major and medium irrigation as 15 lakh hectares. At the starting of first five year plan there were 23 major and medium irrigation projects benefiting to 11 lakh hectares. The area under irrigation through major and medium irrigation projects had increased to 29.72 lakh hectares in the year of 2002-2007, the tenth five year plan is an additional irrigation potential of 6,939 hectares with the target of 9,023 hectares has been created.

The state is now find the additional water through ‘trans basin’ diversion of water from the neighbouring states that is Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh which are blessed with rich water resources. This involves ‘inter- state’ agreements and major policy interventions at the National level.4

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

4 Irrigation and Flood Control, http://www.spc.tn.gov.in/english/Ch_5.pdf

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The outlay of major and medium irrigation and flood control is Rs.1670 crore in which an amount of Rs.1230.34 crore was spent in which it works out to 74% of the Tenth Plan outlay. During the Tenth Plan period, the Water Resource Consolidation Project (WRCP) funded by the World Bank has been implemented 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. Besides the completion of the ongoing Medium and Minor Irrigation Projects, System Improvement and Farmers Turnover (SIFT) are the main components of the project. At a cost of Rs.164.81 cores, 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. 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 (TAMILNADUFMIS) Act’, was enacted in the year 2000 to actively involve the farmers of all the irrigation systems maintained and managed by the Water Resources Organisation (WRO). The total number of Water Users Associations (WUA) were 1566 and 1552 WUAs for managing committees. During 2004, WUAs are handed the responsibilities of operation and maintenance of the minor distribution system. These associations were also given a one- time assistance of Rs.100 per hectare to facilitate their operation. MINOR IRRIGATION The outlay of Rs.500 crore in which an amount of Rs.446.57 crore was spent, which worked out to an achievement of 89%. The important sources of minor irrigation that is 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 hectare which accounts for 70 percent of the total irrigated area. At a total cost of Rs.56.99 crore, 15 minor irrigation works and 14 special minor irrigation works have been executed using state funds. During the Tenth Five Year Plan period, under NABARD assisted projects, the total cost of minor irrigation works and canal rehabilitation works was Rs.729 crore and the expenditure was around Rs.452 crore. The Public Works Department is maintaining 10540 non-system and system tanks each commanding more than 100 acres. Out of these, the 1750 tanks have been modernized and desilted at a cost of Rs.105 crore.

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46 tanks in Sivagangai and Villupuram districts have been taken up for modernization at a cost of Rs.10.59 crore under the centrally sponsored scheme. The work is in progress with targeted date of completion by 2007.

The State Ground & Surface Water Resources Data Centre (SG& SWRDC), monitoring and assessment of ground water involves multi-disciplinary studies. The Government of Tamil Nadu has enacted “The Tamil Nadu Ground Water (Development and Management) Act” in the year 2003 to prevent over exploitation of ground water for sustained development. A Well Census has been taken- up to the implementation of this Act. As per the study, the total number of wells in the state is about 37 lakhs. COMMAND AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (CADP) With an aim to improve the water use efficiency in canal irrigated areas, The Command Area Development Programme (CADP) and Water Management Programme are being implemented in the state. The Command Area Development Programme was implemented by The Agricultural Engineering Department in various command areas as a shared programme between the State and Government of India. Aanaimaduvu system, Cauvery basin, Chinnar Reservoir System, Gadana, Manimuthar Irrigation system, Maruthanathi syste, Basin System, Parambikulam Aliyar Basin, Patchaiyar River Basin system, Ramanadhi Irrigation System and Tambiraparani River Basin projects this programme are implemented at present. The programme was implemented covering an area of 1.91 lakh hectare with a state share of Rs.97.34 crore during the tenth plan. During 2006-07, the programme has been completed in Aanaimaduvu system, Chinnar Reservoir System and Maruthanathi system. These programme that is Command Area Development Programme and Water Management Programme are 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.

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During the Tenth Five Year Plan, the outlay of Rs.175 crore, an amount of Rs.97.34 crore (state share) was spent. FROM 2007-2012

MAJOR AND MEDIUM IRRIGATION CONSTRAINTS The total demand and supply of water gap is very high. In the current situation, the challenge is how best this gap can be bridged, either by reducing the demand or by efficient water management. 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 stabilization and preservation of the existing water resources with emphasis on improvement in the performance. It is also aimed, under irrigation is to maximize agricultural production by way of increasing the area and by improving the water use efficiency through micro irrigation and other water saving methods. To make water use more equitable as well as to provide flood protection and drainage will be promoted by the Participatory Irrigation Management. To achieve the above objectives, the following strategies and thrust areas are proposed: 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 equitable and reliable supply of water to all water users. Water allotment priorities shall be drinking water, irrigation, hydropower, ecology, industries and navigation. iii. To work in an integrated manner in modernizing irrigated agriculture have a Multi- Disciplinary approach. iv. WUA’s is create 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. vi. To give priority for restoration and maintenance of the existing water bodies besides restoring the flood affected water courses and water bodies permanently.

14 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. ii. To develop the four tier level farmer’s organization for efficient irrigation management. iii. 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. iv. To intensify the public awareness and training activities on water management in order to increase the efficiency of water use. MAJOR, MEDIUM AND FLOOD CONTROL WORKS An outlay of `2341.36 crore was provided for major, medium and flood control works, out of which `2291.97 crore was spent under the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012).

S.NO. MAJOR, MEDIUM AND DETAILS FLOOD CONTROL WORKS5 1. Modernization of PAP • The Government formed The Technical Expert Contour Canal. Committee in the year 2007. • Recommended for total rehabilitation of Parambikulam Aliyar Project contour canal.

5 Irrigation, https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/12th_fyp_tn/2.%20Agriculture%20and%20Allied%20Sectors/2_9.pdf

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• At a cost of `184.50 crore. • 7 percent of the work has been completed and remaining work would be completed during the Twelfth Five Year Plan period. 2. IAMWARM Project. • Funded by the World Bank is a six year project (2007- 2013). • Covering 61 sub basins of Tamil Nadu benefiting an ayacut of 6.69 lakh ha. • The total project cost is `2547 crore, out of which the WRD component is `1785.62 crore. • Works in 60 sub-basins are in various stages of implementation. • To modernize 4910 tanks, 659 anicuts and 8552 km length of supply channel in 324 packages covering 61 sub-basins. • One additional sub-basin that is Amaravathy sub-basin covering an ayacut of 53000 ha with an estimate amount of `118 crore has been sanctioned in December 2011 for execution by utilizing the savings amount in the project. • 3277 tanks, 563 anicuts and 5900 km. length of supply channel were rehabilitated. 3. Linking of Rivers within the ➢ The Government has taken the initiative to link State. the rivers within the State to primarily serve as flood carriers and to divert flood runoff to reach the drought prone areas. ➢ The following points are to be emphasized of interlinking the rivers:

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➢ Adequate attention should be given to the life of the river and existing irrigation and agricultural practices, ➢ Inter-basin transfers should be done on the basis of equal contours and ➢ The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) should be community oriented DPRs rather than on the contractual work based DPRs. ➢ In this direction, the following links have been identified: ➢ Interlinking of Cauvery-Agniar- S o u t h V e l l a r -Pambar-Ma n imuth a r – Vaigai– Gundar. ➢ As a first stage of linking the river Cauvery with Agniyar, South Vellar and Pambar, construction of barrage across the Cauvery River below 250 m from the existing Kattalai bed regulator in district. ➢ At a cost of `234 crore is in progress. ➢ The project is nearing completion. b. Interlinking of Tamiraparani-Karumeniar- Nambiyar Link ➢ The scheme aims for creation of a flood carrier canal from Kannadian channel to drought prone areas of Sathankulam and Thisaiyanvillai upto M.L. Theri sand dunes, stabilising the water starved ayacuts of the Manimuthar Channel in III and IV Reach and interlinking of Tamiraparani, Karumeniyar and Nambiyar rivers in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts.

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➢ This project DPR for a cost of `453.44 crore has been drafted for implementation in four stages in anticipation of approval under AIBP. ➢ An extent of 23,040 ha. of land will be benefited including 17,002 ha. of new ayacut. ➢ The ground water level in the nearby wells will get enhanced. ➢ Works in stage I and II are in progress.

4. Flood Management • A Central and State shared scheme. Programme (FMP). • Implemented in the ratio of 75:25. • Out of seven schemes for a value of `657.16 crore sent to Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), five schemes have been cleared for `634.54 crore by the Government of India. • Works are in various stages of implementation. 5. Jawaharlal Nehru National • To avoid flooding in city. Urban Renewal Mission • A Central and State shared scheme is being (JNNURM). implemented which will be carried out over a period of three years. • This scheme was commenced in 2010. • The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) approved a total cost of `1447.91 crore. 6. Coastal Protection Works. • To decrease the problems of coastal areas, 32 anti-sea erosion works at a cost of `47.31 crore were completed under the Twelfth Finance Commission Grant-in-aid programme. • Ten anti-sea erosion works were completed at a cost of `6.65 crore with the State funds.

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• The 13th Finance Commission has allocated a grant of `200 crore for taking up coastal protection works over a period of four years (2011-2015). • The High Level Monitoring Committee for the 13th Finance Commission Grant-in-aid Programme has approved 50 coastal protection works at a cost of `199.93 crore. • For the year 2011-12, 26 works for an amount of `50 crore were taken up. • The balance 24 coastal protection works at a cost of `200 crore over a span of three years (2012-2015) will be taken up during the Twelfth Five Year Plan period. 7. Participatory Irrigation • The term of office of the Managing Management (PIM). Committees of 1552 WUAs constituted in the WRCP implementation areas ended in 2009. • Election to reconstitute these WUAs was held in 2009. • The Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Management of Irrigation Systems Act (TNFMIS Act) was amended for this purpose. • The term of office was extended by 6 months. • The responsibilities of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the distribution systems have been handed over to these WUAs. • Tamil Nadu is the pioneering State in the constitution of distributary committees and project committees in the country.

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• 161 distributary committees and nine project committees were constituted in the WRCP command areas. • Further, farmers’ organizations were also constituted under the World Bank aided IAMWARM Project. • 2361 WUAs have been delineated under the IAMWARM Project command areas.

MINOR IRRIGATION For ongoing and new minor irrigation works, an outlay of `824.00 crore was provided in which `314.20 crore was spent which was only 38 percent of the outlay. 167 minor irrigation works, modernization and rehabilitation works have been taken up with a total project cost of `930.00 crore under NABARD assisted RIDF schemes. 122 works costing `428.00 crore have been completed and 45 works costing `502.00 crore are in progress.

S.NO. MINOR IRRIGATION DETAILS WORKS6 1. Master Plan Artificial Recharge • Tamil Nadu is implementing the Master Scheme. Plan Artificial Recharge Scheme 2008- 13, • At a cost of `550.00 crore. • 11567 artificial recharge structures have been constructed. 2. Restoration of Traditional • Under the 13th Finance Commission Waterbodies. Grant-in-aid programme, 674 works for restoration of traditional waterbodies at

6 Irrigation, https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/12th_fyp_tn/2.%20Agriculture%20and%20Allied%20Sectors/2_9.pdf

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a cost of `200.00 crore are being taken up. • The balance 511 works will be taken up in the Twelfth Five Year Plan period. • In addition, standardisation of tank bunds, strengthening of feeder channel, sluices and surplus weir will be taken up. 3. National Agriculture • The Government has sanctioned 23 Development Programme works at a cost of `24.51 crore, of which (NADP). 14 works at a cost of `18.98 crore have been completed and the remaining works are in progress. 4. Hydrology Project-II. • Assisted by the World Bank at a cost of `25.27 crore for a period of six years (2006-12) is being implemented in Tamil Nadu. • The objective of the project is to enhance water resources management capabilities of the State, by developing Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Hydrological Design Aids (HDA) at river basin level. • The development of DSS in the Tamiraparani, Vaippar and Agniar river basins are in progress. • The development of the Hydrological Design Aids has been commenced.

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• The World Bank/MoWR are considering extending the project till June 2014.

Command Area Development and Water Management Programme (CAD& WMP) Under the centrally sponsored scheme of CAD and WMP, farm development works such as construction of field channels, rotational water supply and construction of field drains are taken up with farmers’ participation to improve water use efficiency in canal irrigated areas. One time functional grants at the rate of `1000/- (State share `450/-, Central share `450/- and farmers share `100/-) per ha. is given to farmers council for maintenance of assets created under the programme. An amount of `114.11 crore was spent against an outlay of `148.00 crore covering an area of 1.10 l.ha.. CAD&WMP was continued in the six ongoing projects. Besides this, the programme was taken up in the 11 new project command areas as per the approval by the Government of India.

MAJOR, MEDIUM IRRIGATION AND FLOOD ONGOING SCHEMES7

S.NO. ONGOING SCHEMES DETAILS 1. Construction of Bed Dam and Amount- Rs.3.50 crore is provided. Dividing wall across Palar near Loan assistance - NABARD under RIDF Kavasampattu Village and re- scheme. grading the existing Goddar river in District. 2. Improvement of for • The project is envisaged for the supply of water supply. 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.

7 Irrigation and Flood Control, http://www.spc.tn.gov.in/english/Ch_5.pdf

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• 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. • Amount - Rs.29.70 crore is provided. 3. Malattar Anicut Scheme in • An anicut across the Malattar River Sengapadi Village in Ramnad below the existing Kamudhi regulator District. 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. • Amount - Rs.11.61 crore is provided. 4. Vaigai Reservoir - Irrigation • Excavation of a high level canal of 27.26 facilities to 58 villages in kilometre. Usilampatti Taluk in Madurai • Spillway established in 1996 to utilize District. the surplus flood water from Vaigai Reservoir. • Formation of 3 new tanks to get supply from the above high-level canal. • 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.

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• Further new dry ayacut of 227 hectares will be brought under irrigation through three new tanks. • Amount – Rs.28.70 crore is provided. 5. Formation of a reservoir across • Cost – Rs.29.55 crore. Malattar River near Bathalapalli • An extent of 1,064 hectares of ayacut village in Taluk, 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. • Amount – Rs.27.43 crore is provided. 6. Excavation of new supply channel • The surplus water from Badathalav Tank from Badathalav tank to is proposed to be conveyed through Vennampalli in Dharmapuri supply channels to Vennampalli and 10 District. other tanks upto Kashimpur tank to irrigate direct ayacut of 542 hectare and indirect ayacut of 607 hectare. • Loan assistance – NABARD. • 80% of the work has been completed. • Amount – Rs.6.02 crore is provided. 7. Construction of New tanks, Canals • During 2005-06, the Government have and Renovation of Existing sanctioned a sum of Rs.61 crore. Irrigation system with loan • Implementation of more than 25 assistance from NABARD under schemes: RIDF X schemes

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▪ 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 (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),

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▪ Rehabilitation of Cauvery, Vennar Regulators (Rs.17.38 crore), ▪ Formation of New Tank across Viswakudi Kallar Odai in Thondamanathurai village of Perambalur District (Rs.7.23 crore). • NABARD funds are used. • Amount – Rs.37.65 crore is provided. 8. Renovation of existing Irrigation • Government have sanctioned an amount channels, tanks and strengthening of of Rs.53.29 crore. Dams with loan assistance from • Loan assistance - NABARD under RIDF NABARD under RIDF - XI XI-Batch-1. Schemes. ▪ Renovation of lower Bhavani ▪ Dam, Sholayar Dam, ▪ Ayyangudi Channel, ▪ Sirumarudhur Channel, ▪ Kalakkamangalam Channel, ▪ Manimuthar Main Canal and ▪ Kanadian Channel • During 2006-07 the Government have sanctioned 17 projects at a cost of Rs.71.39 crore for ongoing and new works. ▪ 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

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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. • Amount – Rs.41.02 is provided. 9. Implementation of Accelerated • Lanuched – 1996-97. Irrigation Benefit Programme • To give loan assistance to the states to (AIBP) 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, renovation and modernisation schemes have also been included on a selective basis.

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• Drought-prone, flood-prone and tribal areas are eligible for 90% central funding. • Amount – Rs.50.00 crore is provided. 10. Formation of 18th Canal across • Uthamapalayam Taluk will benefit to an Vairavanar River. 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. • 71% of the work has been completed. • Amount – Rs.13.60 crore is provided. 11. Formation of Reservoir across • To stabilise 3.57 hectares to bridge a gap Mambazhathuraiyar. 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. • Amount – Rs.14.18 crore is provided. 12. Desilting, Widening and • Under the Emergency Tsunami Strengthening works under Reconstruction Project with World Bank Emergency Tsunami assistance include desilting, widening Reconstruction Project (ETRP) with and strengthening of the banks of assistance from World Bank - PWD ▪ Vedaranyam Canal, (WRO). ▪ South , ▪ Nathikanni Manniar drain, ▪ Vellapallam Uppanar drain, ▪ Vellaiyur straight cut, ▪ Kaduvayur drain and ▪ North Buckingham canal. • Amount – Rs.14.30 is provided.

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13. Chennai Flood Relief with HUDCO • Ten water ways to Chennai city. Assistance Works -Chennai City • Total length of 87.80 km. Water Ways. • Polluted by discharges of untreated sewerage and disposal of solid waste, hereby 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. • For improvements - Buckingham canal, , Adayar River channel, flood defenses and other major drains in Chennai Metropolitan area, improvements to drain, Nullah and drainage relief to area. • Amount – Rs.200 crore is provided (for improvements). 14. Expenditure met from Grants-in- • Twelfth Finance Commission has Aid recommended by the 12th allotted Grants-in-Aid of Rs.38.30 crore Finance Commission towards for coastal protection works. implementation of Anti Sea Erosion • The High Level Committee has selected and Coastal Protection Work. and prioritized 30 locations for Anti-Sea Erosion Works based on the report given by the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai.

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NEW SCHEMES • In an agricultural state like Tamil Nadu, there is a need for 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.

S.NO. NEW SCHEMES

1. Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation And Water Bodies Restoration And Management (IAMWARM) Project • 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. Objective The aims of the project is 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 a. Irrigation • To improve the bulk water delivery through Systems modernisation of irrigation systems and service

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Modernisation delivery and management of schemes in about 63 in a Sub-basin selected project sub-basins over an area of 6.17 Framework. 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 • To build upon the improved bulk water delivery Intensification of the above component to increase the and productivity of agriculture-related activities Diversification 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 • To improve the institutional capacity for modern, Modernisation efficient and accountable irrigation service for Irrigated delivery. Agriculture • 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-

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up the institutional capacity of the WRO to design, monitor, maintain and modernize their assets in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner using appropriate state 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 • To improve the institutional arrangements and Resources capacity for sustainable water resources Management 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 • To support the management and co-ordination Management efforts related to this project. Support (Base

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cost - Rs.37.50 • This component will be implemented by the crore) 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 • Implemented over a period of six years. Implementation • 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 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 • To divert flood water of Koraiyaru, & Coleron River From Upper Kudamurutti river, Ariyar river and

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Anicut To Sea, Sellur Tanks Etc. In Uyyakondan Channels through Canals Madurai City And Diverting Floods and Tanks and reroute the surplus From Ariyar And Korayar In water to Agniyar river to benefit dry Tiruchi Town 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 • Flood protection works are required to Metropolitan Area. 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 Canals and swamp. • Proposals have been formulated for taking up these works under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and

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National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) at a cost of Rs.230 crore.

4. One Time Functional Grant To • The Participatory Irrigation Water Users Associations (WUA’s). 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 TAMILNADUFMIS 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. 5. Cauvery, Vennar And Grant Anicut • The age old Cauvery Delta system has (GAC) System Rehabilitation And been deteriorating for want of Strengthening Control. adequate funds for rehabilitation and modernization proposals. • In order to ensure that the irrigation efficiency of the Cauvery Delta is

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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 & • 20 new Major and Medium Irrigation Medium Irrigation Programme. 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 • An amount of Rs.5.00 crore is Cauvery With Vaigai, Gundar To proposed Divert Flood From Cauvery. • Use the surplus water productively. 8. New Proposal For Coastal • The proposal for coastal protection Protection Works. 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.

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FROM (2012-2017)

The main objectives of irrigation sector are to improve the overall efficiency of the system by rehabilitation of irrigation structures and proper upkeep, micro irrigation, etc and to conveyance/lifting of surplus flood flows to drought prone areas. It also aims: ✓ to improve the farmers’ income and ✓ to increase the productivity which would increase rural employment opportunities and ✓ to fuel the economic growth by reducing rural poverty. The strategies of Tamil Nadu 2023 to sets the plan for infrastructure development for the State and it also sets the eleven projects for development of a huge positive impact and provide significant spin-off benefits will created. All over Tamil Nadu, in irrigation sector, a large watershed and water management project (programme) was set to increases the storage capacity (including that of groundwater) by 100 percent. In the Vision Tamil Nadu 2023, irrigation projects involving connectivity of farms with canals and dams and cleaning of water resources such as tanks, wells and dams has also been planned. The following proposed strategies in irrigation sector are: ▪ Restoring the storage capacities of the old reservoirs and the tanks which are heavily silted up. ▪ Under the control of Panchayat Unions, 21609 minor irrigation tanks and 3884 other important waterbodies will be restored and improved by funds from various schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and NABARD loans during the Twelfth Five Year Plan. After rehabilitation, the stakeholders take over these tanks for further maintenance. Hence, for rehabilitated to the standards to increase the storage potential all the tanks available in the State. ▪ To extend the multi-disciplinary approach based on the experiences gained through the IAMWARM project in an integrated manner. ▪ To utilize surplus flood flows draining into the sea by putting up small structures and conveying it to drought prone high level commands by pumping schemes. ▪ To extend the PIM activities in all the command areas and to hand over the distribution system maintenance to WUAs so as to bring about a reasonable reduction in the efficient distribution of water and in the maintenance cost. ▪ Ground Water (Development & Management) Act, 2003 are implemented.

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▪ To remove the encroachments in waterbodies and protect them in an efficient manner. ▪ To give special emphasis for reducing the gap between the water potential created and utilized through bench marking of irrigation projects and water use efficiency studies in all the irrigation systems. ▪ To increase ground water potential through construction of artificial recharge structures and rain water harvesting systems for sustainable ground water development and management. ▪ To give priority for restoration of the flood affected water courses. ▪ To increase the surface water potential by way of inter-basin transfer by inter-linking of rivers within the State. ▪ To increase the gross irrigated area and irrigation intensity, Extension, Renovation and Modernization (ERM) projects to be taken up with the financial assistance from AIBP. ▪ FMP will be extended to all major rivers to tackle the floods in an efficient manner. ▪ To increase the water holding capacity, top priority will be given to Restoration, Renovation and Rehabilitation (RRR) of traditional water bodies. ▪ To ensure dam safety measures and to enhance the system efficiency Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) are implemented. ▪ To impart training to the WRD engineers on irrigation by organizing post graduate courses through reputed institutions on the following titles: ‘Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering, Irrigation Water Management, Environmental Engineering, Soil Mechanics and Foundation ▪ Engineering, Remote Sensing and GIS, Ocean Engineering and Management. ▪ To encourage crop diversification, considering the agro climatic conditions of the basin and water availability. ▪ To prevent the pollution of waterbodies such as rivers, streams, reservoirs, tanks, etc., and to reuse the treated effluent water for irrigation. ▪ To intensify the public awareness and training activities on water management in order to increase the efficiency of water use by implementing change management. ▪ To encourage more active participation by women in irrigation management. ▪ To ensure equitable distribution of water to all water users.

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▪ To prepare and implement action plan for National Water Mission.8 PROPOSALS The following major, medium and flood control schemes, minor irrigation and CAD&WMP schemes are proposed to be taken up: ▪ To improve new Veeranam in district for water supply, ▪ To providing irrigation facilities to 58 villages in Madurai district, ▪ To Bathalapalli dam across Malattar river in Vellore district, ▪ To new tank across Kallar Odai near Viswakudi in Perambalur district, ▪ To rehabilitation of Nilayur channel in Madurai district, ▪ To Palamparavoo and PT Rajan channel in Theni district, ▪ To south main channel of Srivaikundam anicut across Tamiraparani River and its tanks in Thoothukudi district. MAJOR, MEDIUM, MINOR AND FLOOD CONTROL WORKS9

S.NO. MAJOR, MEDIUM, MINOR DETAILS AND FLOOD CONTROL WORKS

1. IAMWARM Project • The remaining works in the tanks, anicuts and supply channel would be taken for rehabilitation and modernisation. • During 2012-2013, sub-basin modernistion works in Amaravathy sub- basin has been taken up additionally at a cost of `128.31 crore, thus benefitting a further 53000 hectare area.

8 Irrigation, https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/12th_fyp_tn/2.%20Agriculture%20and%20Allied%20Sectors/2_9.pdf 9 Irrigation, https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/12th_fyp_tn/2.%20Agriculture%20and%20Allied%20Sectors/2_9.pdf

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2. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit • In the year 1996-97, it was implemented in Programme (AIBP) order to completion of selected on going major and medium irrigation projects. • In the year 2006, the revised AIBP guidelines was issued to include the Minor Irrigation Schemes (less than 2000 hectare.) and Extension, Renovation and Modernization (ERM) schemes for funding under this programme. • The funding pattern for Central and State share in DPAP blocks is 90:10 and other projects it is 25: 75 under AIBP. • It has been proposed to take up: ▪ ERM of River Systems, ▪ renovation and modernization of tanks, ▪ formation of reservoirs, ▪ construction of anicuts, check dams and ▪ new supply channels to assure benefits from the irrigation projects. 3. Linking Of Rivers Within The • In Tamil Nadu the following major river State links are proposed: a. Pennaiyar (Krishnagiri Reservoir) to Palar ▪ Envisages transfer of 3.5 TMCft. of annually available water at the Krishnagiri Reservoir as flood flows to Kallar, a tributary of Palar.

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▪ This link canal (55.7 km length) with an off-take tunnel at 200m below the reservoir will have gravity flow. ▪ The scheme will stabilise an existing command area of about 2931 acres besides recharging the ground water potential of the Palar basin. b. Pennaiyar () to Palar ▪ It is proposed to connect the Pennaiyar in Thiruvannamalai district with river, a tributary of the Palar by construction of a new Head Regulator. ▪ Excavation of a link canal for a length of 23.55 km. ▪ Surplus flow of about 3 TMCft. from the Sathanur dam can be diverted to the by excavation of feeder canal for a length of 38.72 km to feed the Nandan channel. ▪ The diverted flood water will benefit 5 anicuts in the Cheyyar river. ▪ On completion of this scheme, about 10700 acres of ayacut will be benefitted. ▪ The DPR has been prepared for `200.00 crore and sent to GOI for seeking assistance under AIBP. c. Cauvery (Mettur Dam) to Sarabanga ( Namakkal) ▪ It is proposed to excavate a link canal for a length of 182 km to augment the irrigation potential through the existing anicuts and

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tanks in Sarabanga, Thirumanimuthar and Musiri minor basin by utilizing the surplus water of the Mettur dam. ▪ Under this scheme, about 2 TMCft. water will be diverted through this link canal, thereby benefiting an ayacut of 30,430 acres in Salem, Namakkal, Perambalur and Trichy districts. ▪ The approximate cost of the scheme is `1134.00 crore. d. Athikadavu – Avinashi Canal ▪ The Athikadavu-Avinashi Flood Canal Project envisages diversion of flood surplus of 2000 cusecs from the to feed 71 tanks and 538 ponds in Karamadai, Annur, Avinashi, Puliampatti, Palladam and Perundurai areas. ▪ This project has been conceived to mitigate the effects of flood by means of excavation of a flood carrier canal from the Pillur Dam water spread area. ▪ Necessary cross drainage works, cross masonry works and regulator have been proposed at required places. ▪ A DPR has been prepared for `1862.00 crore. ▪ It is proposed to seek the funds from GoI under the FMP. e. Cauvery (Kattalai Barrage) to Gundar ▪ It is proposed to divert 7 TMCft. of flood water from the Cauvery at the Kattalai

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Barrage through a canal for a length of 258 km to the Gundar. On completion, an ayacut of 1.86 lakh acres will be stabilized, besides bridging a gap of 32,871 acres. ▪ Trichy and towns would be protected from flood. ▪ The DPR has been prepared for `5166 crore and sent to GOI seeking assistance under the Flood Management Programme. f. Recharging of Ground Water Aquifers ▪ The ground water aquifers and flood plains of Cheyyar, Palar, Pennaiyar, Gundar and Vaigai are proposed to be recharged by using the surface flow at the intersection locations and downstream areas by constructing major check dams in the rivers and minor check dams across the tributaries.

4. Dam Rehabilitation And • With World Bank assistance through Improvement Project (DRIP) Central Water Commission (CWC) is proposed to be taken up over a period of six years for 66 WRD dams and 38 Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company (TANGEDCO) dams at a cost of `745.49 crore. • The aims is to restore the capacity of the dams, achieve effective utilization of stored water and manage the long term performance of the dams.

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• The funding pattern between the World Bank and the State is in the ratio of 80:20. • The main components of the project are: ▪ rehabilitation and improvement of the dams, ▪ dam safety institutional strengthening through reservoir sedimentation studies, ▪ development of management information system and ▪ establishment of State project management unit. • Tamil Nadu is one among the four States selected by the World Bank to implement this project. • The break up details of project cost: a) WRD component. `469.94 crore, b) TANGEDCO component. `260.14 crore and c) AED component. `15.41 crore. 5. Desilting The Drains And • Desilting of the drains and channels shall Channels In The Cauvery Delta. be carried out prior to the opening of Stanley reservoir in the Cauvery river at an outlay of `75.00 crore in order to ensure free flow of water up to the tail end. 6. One Time Functional Grant To • This one time functional grant of `1000/ ha Non Command Area is shared by Central, State Government and Development And Water farmers (45:45:10 ratio). Management Programme.

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• This facility of funding is not extended to WUAs formed under other projects and programme launched in the State. • In order to maintain a uniform approach to WUAs of the non CAD & WMP area, it has been proposed to extend the similar benefits through providing one time functional grant of `180 crore. 7. Artificial Recharge Schemes To • The scheme envisages construction of Sustain Groundwater Resources. artificial structures like check dam, recharge shaft and percolation ponds in place where there is surplus water available atleast with 25 percent dependability and the lithology is favourable. • The over exploited, critical and semi critical blocks will be given priority in the first two years and safe blocks in the subsequent year. • An amount of `200.00 crore is provided for this scheme. 8. Jawaharlal Nehru National • A comprehensive master plan on Urban Renewal Mission Project improvement to micro drains such asstorm (JNNURM) water drains, and macro drains like Buckingham canal, Otteri Nallah, Adayar river and Coovum commenced in 2010 with Centre and State assistance with an aim to avoid flood havoc in Chennai city. • The total project cost is `1447.91 crore, which includes Corporation of Chennai

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component of `814.88 crore and WRD component of `633.03 crore. • The Redhills tank, one of the major water supply sources to the Chennai city, receives Krishna water from the through a feeder canal and tank through lower supply channel and from its catchment area. • The Redhills tank surplus course has a length of 8.30 km and a discharge capacity of 7500 cusecs. • The surplus course is in urgent need of restoration work. • During the flood seasons, the problems get aggravated causing inundation in the residential areas in the vicinity. • To overcome this, rehabilitation of Redhills tank surplus course including four high level bridges will be taken up seeking funds under JNNURM II. 9. Special Flood Management • Cauvery delta districts are frequently Programme affected by floods during the monsoon period. • The irrigation cum drainage channel in the Cauvery Delta districts are having flatter terrain and also are in close proximity to the sea. • During the north east monsoon periods, heavy rainfall occurs in this area and the

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villages and irrigation fields are subjected to massive flooding. • To mitigate this problem permanently, the flood water from the upper reaches of Cauvery river is to be given improved drainage facilities for safe discharge into the sea. • The proposal envisages providing proper inlets and outlets, removal of shoals and vegetation, providing sufficient waterways in the drains, protecting drains from silting and scouting etc., 10. Utilisation Of Surplus Flood • The surplus water during south west and Water Through Pumping north east monsoon periods drains off into Scheme the sea. • Particularly the flood water realized in Cauvery, Tamiraparani and Vellar river basins are maximum and drains off into the sea. • These surplus flows can be lifted by means of heavy pumps which can be conveyed through a system of pipe lines to the higher elevation commands and can be effectively stored in the waterbodies. • The distribution may be done for irrigation by gravity. • This process augments ground water potential and ensures the drinking water needs of rural habitations.

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• Special flood management programme to avoid flood damage permanently by providing suitable drainage facilities in Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts is proposed. 11. Coastal Protection Works • In Tamil Nadu, the behaviour of the sea varies throughout the year. • During the monsoon period, the problems get aggravated due to the formation of cyclones, depression and low pressure zones. • It is of utmost importance that the coast line of the State should be sufficiently protected from sea erosion so as to prevent loss of lives and grave damages to infrastructure. • The Hon’ble Chief Minister has directed a detailed study of the coastal erosion along the entire coast and review of the ongoing coastal protection works. • The High Level Committee would identify the critical/affected coastal areas requiring immediate attention. • It will also explore the need for additional anti sea erosion works and appropriate funds besides, already, identified works. 12. Coastal Storm Water Harnessing • Rainfall pattern of Tamil Nadu shows Scheme copious rainfall in the coast, due to depressions and cyclones, even in otherwise below normal rainfall years.

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• The existing storage structures in the inland part of the river basin could not harness fully and hence, the excess flow goes into sea. • The project proposes to construct a series of storage structures along the coast to collect and store the run off due to coastal storm events. • An outlay of `220.00 crore has been proposed. 13. Scheme On Modernising The • Over 4.50 lakh acres of agriculture land in Irrigation Canals And Related the Cauvery delta are to benefit from the Infrastructure In The Cauvery project to upgrade the irrigation canals. Delta • It is proposed to modernize the irrigation canals and related infrastructure in the delta areas to prevent excess water in the river from flowing into the sea. • The project will benefit Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Thanjavur districts. • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved `1092.00 crore as loan and total amount proposed was `1560.00 crore. • An outlay of `1000.00 crore has been provided for the Twelfth Five Year Plan. • The project will multiple the benefits that is conserving surplus water, recharging of ground water and preventing the sea water intrusion.

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COMMAND AREA DEVELOPMENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (CAD&WMP) Since 1980 – 81 onwards, the Agricultural Engineering Department implemented The Centrally Sponsored Command Area Development & Water Management Programme in the command areas of the State to improve the water use efficiency through efficient water management practices and to enable effective and equitable distribution of irrigation water below. During Twelfth Five Year Plan period, the CAD&WMP has been completed in 22 commands of the State in the last 3 decades and to be continued in 25 commands such as Araniyar River Basin System, Baarur System, Cheyyar System, Ellis Anaicut Project, Kalingalar& Nichabanadhi, Kelavarapalli Reservoir Project, Kiliyar River Basin System, Kudhirayar Reservoir Project, Manimuktha Nadhi System, Melamathur Anaicut, Nandan Channel, Parapalar & Nanganjiyar, Pelandurai Anaicut Project, Pilavakkal Reservoir Project, Thondarai Anaicut, Uppar Reservoir, Vattamalaikarai Anaicut Project, Vembakottai Reservoir Project, RS 478 CRORE FOR IRRIGATION SCHEME IN TAMIL NADU10 During 2020-21, from NABARD under the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ component of the Micro Fund Irrigation Scheme of the Central government, the State has got Rs 478.79 crore. Through NABARD, in the states of Andhra Pradesh for Rs 616.14 crore and Tamil Nadu for Rs 478.79 crore Micro Irrigation Funds have been released. 1.76 lakh ha. in Tamil Nadu and 1.021 lakh ha in Andhra Pradesh isthe area covered under these projects. The ‘Per Drop More Crop’ component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY- PDMC) is implementingby the Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare. To enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through Micro Irrigation technologies that is Drip and Sprinkler irrigation systems focused by the PMKSY- PDMC.Irrigation technique helps in water saving, reducing fertiliser usage, labour expenses and other input costs which are covered in drip micro irrigation. Annual allotment of Rs.4, 000 crore has already been allocated and conveyed to the state governments in the current year. Under the programme, the State governments have identified the beneficiaries to be covered. Micro Irrigation Fund corpus of Rs.5, 000 crore has been created with NABARD.

10 Rs.478 crore for irrigation scheme in Tamil Nadu, DTNEXT (May.22,2021), https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2020/06/11022102/1235397/Rs-478-crore-for-irrigation-scheme-in- Tamil-Nadu.vpf

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CONCLUSION Irrigation project design that combines improvements in infrastructure with activities like improving agricultural and water use practices, agricultural inputs, and marketing support and links can be a viable and effective approach for improving agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Through the Five Year Plans in Agricultural Development, Tamil Nadu Government taken serious efforts especially in heavy investment on the major and medium irrigation projects to attain sustainability in agricultural production. From the major and medium irrigation projects, the land productivity and cropping intensity is greatly increased. Beside, canal, dug well irrigation and tank irrigation also showed significantly positive impact on the cropping intensity. After that the more impact on cropping intensity from the dug well and tube well irrigation. The desirable impact on intensity of cropping and need more investment in subsequent plans are showed in minor irrigation (tube and dug well). More particularly from major and minor irrigation projects, it requires only minimum investment per hectare. In Tamil Nadu, the irrigation projects are increasing by coming up five year plans so that to improve irrigation methods which helps the farmers for growing better crops.

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