Rs 500 cr allotted for Kudimaramath

The GO stated, “1,829 works in 29 districts would be carried out under Kudimaramath scheme. The components proposed to be carried out includes strengthening of tank bunds, desilting of supply channel surplus course, repair/reconstruction of sluices, weirs, repair/renewal of shutters, rehabilitation/desilting of canal etc.” 

Kudimaramath scheme is an ancient method of constructing and maintaining water bodies by local communities and the scheme was revived in 2016-17 where all the water bodies across the state, expect Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts, were desilted and the deepened. 

Initially, Rs 100 crore was allotted for the project, but as the scheme was an instant success the funding was increased to cover more water bodies across the state. 

According to officials of Public Works Department (PWD), state depends largely on North East (NE) Monsoon season more than the South West (SW) monsoon and so the Kudimaramath works would usually commence during the commencement of SW monsoon season and will end before the commencement of NE monsoon. 

The works would be carried out with the help of local communities such as farmers organisations, ayacutdars and water users’ association.

Last year, Rs 328.95 crore was allotted for carrying out 1,511 works and out of the total works, 979 works were completed at the cost of Rs 185.42 crore. 

Chief Engineers attached to PWD had sent a fresh proposal for the state government to carry out Kudimaramath scheme for the current year at the total cost of Rs 500 crore. 

Government after careful consideration allotted Rs 499.68 crore for carrying out 1,829 works. 

Out of the total 1,829 works, Chennai region has the total 277 works at the estimated cost of Rs 93 crore. 543 works would be undertaken in Tiruchy region at the estimated cost of Rs 109.88 crore, 328 works would be in Coimbatore region at the estimated cost of Rs 66.8 crore and 681 works would be carried out in Madurai region at the estimated cost of Rs 230 crore.