Water bodies accorded priority in Kovai budget

“The Noyyal River is to be rejuvenated by preventing the mixing of sewage water for a 20 kilometer stretch in corporation limits from Perur to Ondipudur. Sewage water being let into the river as it enters the city would be stopped and rejuvenated,” said Corporation commissioner and special officer J Sravan Kumar.

Similarly the Sanganur canal, which flows into Noyyal near Singanallur, will also be revived by removing encroachments. Its bunds will be strengthened. For this purpose, the corporation has sought Rs 458 crores from the government. Works will begin by receiving Rs 150 crore in the first phase.

Under the Smart City Project, development works are underway in Ukkadam and Valankulam tanks, while Rs 16 crore has been sanctioned for taking up developmental works at Selva Sinthamani tank.

Significantly the Narasampathi, Krishnampathi, Selvampathi and Kumarasami tanks are awaiting administrative sanction after completion of estimation for rejuvenation. Other major highlights of the budget include an indoor stadium proposed in four acres at GV Residency area at a cost of Rs five crores. The Gandhi Park will be improved with children’s play area and other works at a cost estimate of Rs 4.5 crore. Also 100 water dispensing machines would be installed in 100 spots under the Smart City Project. The machines will dispense one litre of water for Rs one and 20 litres for Rs 7. Earlier Sravan Kumar presented a surplus budget for 2019-2020. “The civic body had received surplus revenue of Rs 4.74 crore. The total revenue was Rs 1,817.67 crore while the expenditure stood at 1,812.93 crore.