745 cr from World Bank to modernise dams in state

Chennai

The four-year scheme which began in 2012 includes 223 dams from TN, Kerala, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, of which TN’s share is 113 dams, according to PWD sources. Currently 75 dams are covered by DRIP. “The scheme will ensure that rehabilitated dams are more efficient in regard to water storage and supply,” they added. 

Sources added that “reservoirs to be handled by the department’s WRD (Water Resources Division) include 70 dams, four drinking water reservoirs and one  anicut, while 38 dams used exclusively for power generation and controlled by TANGEDCO are also included.” Agricultural engineering department (AED) reservoirs include the Krishnagiri and Kundah reservoirs. While 80 per cent cost is being covered by the World Bank, the Tamil Nadu government will provide the remaining 20 per cent funds. 

Work has commenced on 23 dams, (work was taken up in the Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Pollachi divisions), and administrative sanction was recently accorded for another 24 while details of 28 dams were forwarded to the World Bank for approval. 

Once completed the refurbished dams will be more efficient in water distribution and storage. Norms of dams have changed over years. While international norms credit a reservoir with more than 600 million CFT as a major dam, state norms claim that one with more than 60 feet water depth is a large dam. 

“The department usually follows these international standards,” department  sources added.

75 Tamil Nadu dams to be spruced up for newer, better and longer service.

Scheme Detail: 

• Dams where work has started 23 
• Dams sanctioned 24 
• Dams seeking World Bank nod 28

Reservoirs in Drip Scheme 

• Dams 70 
• Drinking water reservoirs  4 
• Anaicut  1

Fact File

• Grand Anaicut (Kallanai) Fourth oldest dam in the world built in 2 AD. Located  12 kilometres from Trichy in Thanjavur district.
• Mettur Dam: Built in 1934, is one of India’s largest dams at 1700 metres. TNEB has two hydro electric power stations at the site.
• Solaiyar Dam: One of the deepest dams in TN with a water depth of 160 feet. It is 20 kilometres from Valparai in Coimbatore district.
• Bhavanisagar : World’s largest masonry dam of 8 kilometres near Sathyamangalam and Mettupalayam; feeds Bhavani canal project.

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