PWD yet to act on water bodies around TN

While officials say that it will take time to float tenders, water managers express concern that officials should have already taken necessary steps for completing works to ensure the state is prepared at least before the coming NE monsoon.

According to sources, PWD officials are floundering to complete lake improvement works, for which the World Bank had funded Rs 745 crore (phase I). Meanwhile, the same bank has allotted Rs 745 crore for TN-IAMWARM (phase II) a few months ago for taking improvement and repairing works in around 4,000 waterbodies across the state.

Of this, around 400 waterbodies are from Chennai region. Yet, the officials remain inactive without taking any measure.

Mani, Superintending Engineer, Palar Basin Circle, PWD, Chennai Region, said, “It is a big project and we are afraid of taking works at this point of time because there has been rain and North-East monsoon is also approaching. If there is heavy rain during works, all our efforts will be in vain. So, we are cautious and there is a possibility of floating tendres in the beginning of January or February, 2018.” Meanwhile, water managers have expressed concern over the delay in taking up works. “If the World Bank allotted funds, the officials should start works, because there is no need for panic. During heavy rains, the officials can halt the work,” said A Veerappan, former special chief engineer, Chennai region.