Water released through 18th canal extended scheme in Theni district

Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam opened the gates of the canal in the presence of Collector M Pallavi Baldev. 200 cusecs of water would be released for a period of seven days.

Speaking to media persons, Panneerselvam said the 279 cusecs of water released under the 18th canal scheme in Uthamapalayam taluk for irrigation on August 22 reached Suthagangai odai at 11 am.

Under this scheme, farmers in Thevaram, Pottipuram, Rasingapuram, Silamalai, Melachokkanathapuram and Bodinaickanur would be benefitted. The water release would help to recharge 585 wells to improve irrigation on 3,848.55 acres.

Panneerselvam said the long-pending demands of farmers in parts of Thevaram and Bodinaickanur has been fulfilled due to the scheme.

Former chief minister J Jayalalithaa had promised to extend the 18th canal in 2011 during her election campaign.

The canal which links Kottakudi river was extended at a cost of Rs 52.80 crore. She had laid the foundation stone for the project through video conferencing on February 27, 2016. The extension scheme was completed in March 2018.

Responding to a query on possible additional discharge of water into the extended canal, Panneerselvam said the State government would issue a government order in this regard in a day or two.

“Efforts on to lay Sakulathumettu link road to connect Kerala from Thevaram. Since the area falls under the elephant corridor, inspections involving Forest Minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan and the Theni Collector would be made soon,” he added.

Theni MP R Parthiban, Cumbum MLA STK Jakkaiyan and officials from various departments were present on the occasion.