Major dams to be desilted: PWD Minister

ERODE: Desilting of all major dams would be undertaken to increase their storage capacity, said Public Works Department (PWD) Minister K V Ramalingam here on Sunday. The move comes after Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s instructions to take steps for improving the condition of irrigation sources in the State.Ramalingam told Express that studies would be carried out on how to divert surplus water from major dams, including Bhavanisagar dam, to fill ponds and tanks during rainy season. He added that plan to utilise surplus water from Mettur dam’s right bank canal for Andhiyur area by digging small canals would also be studied.Referring to the textile effluent problem, the minister said stern action would be taken against those who encroached upon water resources and polluted it.“The previous AIADMK regime envisaged a project to treat textile effluents and to let treated effluents into the sea. But, the successive DMK government did not take action on this front. This resulted in effluent discharge from textile units in Tirupur. Now, the chief minister has called for a permanent solution to the problem,” Ramalingam said.The marine discharge scheme would also be revived to help the textile sector. Before the rains start, main water channels would be desilted to ensure easy flow of water. This time, discharge of water from Mettur dam for irrigational purposes has been advanced to June 6 as against the usual June 12. This is the first time since 1946 that water release has been advanced.The minister also assured that steps would be taken to hold talks with Kerala on Pandiyaru-Punnampuzha river water issues. He added that the Athikadavu-Avinasi water project to augment ground water sources in Erode and Tirupur districts would be taken up as assured in the poll manifesto. Orders have been placed for replacing worn-out sluices in the Lower Bhavani canal and for repair works in some portions of the canal. Strengthening of the main canal would also be taken up at a later stage.