Tamil Nadu turns to age-old formula to revive lakes

The government recently decided to take up more than 1,500 projects in 30 districts under the scheme at an outlay of Rs 100 crore. 

As part of the scheme, the state government, along with citizens, self-help groups and farmer associations, will clean the water bodies, strengthen the bunds and weed out vegetation, including hyacinths. 

The Chief Minister inaugurated the project and cleared the first mound of sand from the Manimangalam lake in the presence of district and revenue officials. 

Speaking on the occasion, Palanisamy said that both monsoons have failed the state leading to drought and acute water scarcity. However, the state government would ensure that the people, especially farmers, do not suffer due to water shortage. “We have decided to take up a total of 1,519 projects in 30 districts under the Kudimaramathu scheme at a cost of Rs 100 crore this year,” the Chief Minister said. “The drinking water problem will be addressed on war footing,” he added. 

The scheme was inaugurated in Kancheepuram district which has nearly 961 lakes, the Chief Minister said and called Kancheepuram as ‘district of lakes’ (Erigal Maavattam).

Apart from Kancheepuram, the desilting works would be undertaken in various districts across the state in the presence of Ministers, MPs, MLAs and District Collectors, an official release on Monday said.