Minister for Water Resources Duraimurugan said concrete-lining the beds of Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) main canal will not be carried out and only the damaged sluices and cross masonry structures will be renovated.
In a statement, the Minister said that under the NABARD funding, extension, renovation and modernisation (ERM) of LBP main canal is to be carried out at a cost of ₹709.60 crore. When works were about to begin, a section of farmers opposed the project fearing that concrete-lining the beds would prevent water from entering the earth. They said that farming activities and drinking water supply would be affected if the project is executed. “The government had accepted their genuine demands,” the release added.
The Minister said the canal was constructed 65 years ago and had lost its stability over the years. “Trees that were planted on the bunds had grown up and the roots had damaged the structures, including sluices. Only if renovation works were undertaken, water would reach tail-end farmers without disruption,” the Minister said and pointed out that a few persons were involved in a false campaign against the project.
