The Madras High Court has directed the State government to proceed with the ₹709.60 crore project for extension, renovation and modernisation of Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) system from May 1 since it was reported that the release of water in the canal would be stopped after the present irrigation period ends on April 30.
Acting Chief Justice T. Raja and Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy said the objections to the project by some non-ayacutdars and others would not hold good in the light of an expert report submitted by a committee headed by A. Mohanakrishnan, former advisor to the State government on water resources.
“When such committee after due deliberation has opined that the Lower Bhavani Project main canal may be lined in order to reduce seepage and carry the water to the tail end faster, this court cannot sit in appeal over such opinion merely because it is to the disadvantage of some respondents,” the Bench wrote.
