Tamil Nadu, a water-deficit state knocking on the doors of neighbours year after year to get its due share of Cauvery and Krishna river water, has topped the Union ministry of Jal Shakti's National Water Awards in the 'best state' category, for 2019. The state has been recognised for its commendable work in the field of conserving water resources and managing it, the state government said.
Maharashtra and Rajasthan bagged second and third prizes respectively in the best state (normal) category. Mizoram topped the best state (special) category. The awards will be presented during the second National Water Awards 2019 distribution ceremony, scheduled for November 11 and 12 on a virtual platform.
"(It is) a recognition for our comprehensive work to revive, conserve water bodies and to provide access to clean water. My congratulations to the officials for their earnest and tireless efforts," chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said, tweeting the TOI online report. Over 6,000 works have been taken up under kudimaramath, the traditional way of restoration of water bodies, such as maintenance of supply channels, canals, tanks and shutters to improve the irrigation capacity at Rs 1,433 crore in Tamil Nadu in the last five years.
The state scored well in implementation of irrigation and water supply schemes such as check dams, micro irrigation and in increasing irrigation coverage. It embarked on a mission to build check dams at Rs 1,000 crore and has built 160 check dams so far. A new reservoir at Thervoy Kandigai in Tiruvallur district, linking two tanks, is nearing completion to substitute the four other reservoirs to meet Chennai's water needs, officials said.
The water conservation measures got a push in the last two years with a 'water resources conservation and river restoration corporation' being set up exclusively to conceptualise schemes and access funding from agencies on the lines of road development corporation.
"Execution of Athikadavu Avinashi groundwater recharge and drinking water scheme, costing Rs 1,652 crore, to realize the long-pending dream of the drought-hit areas of Coimbatore, Tirupur and Erode districts, and the diversion of flood surplus water from Mettur to the dry tanks in Sarabanga basin in Salem district through lift irrigation are the notable achievements, which the Centre has recognized," said a senior government official.
Improvements to the irrigation systems in Cauvery basin, Kattalai high level canal, Rajavoikkal and Noyyal river system have been taken up by the state. Foundation for Cauvery-Gundar river linking project will be laid soon for which Rs 700 crore has been allotted. Vellore district bagged the first place in the 'best districts in revival of river' category.
It got recognition for replenishing Naganadhi river with the help of community, especially women self-help groups. Geo spatial technologies were used in identifying the sites for artificial recharge structures and check dams were done with gabion structures, officials said. Madurai corporation restored Panaiyur channel to take water from Vaigai river to Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by Water Today staff and is generated from news feeds. Source: The Times Of India