Trichy and Cauvery Delta Districts Launch Early Desilting of Irrigation Channels
In a proactive move to enhance agricultural efficiency, the desilting of irrigation and drainage channels has commenced in Trichy and the Cauvery delta districts, starting a full month earlier than usual. This initiative aims to ensure the smooth release and distribution of Cauvery water later this year, benefiting farmers across the region.
Comprehensive Desilting Efforts Across Multiple Districts
In Trichy district, which is part of the Middle Cauvery region, authorities have planned to desilt 314 kilometers of channels through 112 separate works. The estimated cost for this project is Rs 15.4 crore. A senior official from the water resources department highlighted the advantages of beginning early, stating that it allows for timely completion of the works. "Since we began a month earlier than in previous years, the works are progressing smoothly and are expected to be completed before the deadline," the official explained.
The scope of the desilting project extends significantly across the four primary delta districts:
- Thanjavur
- Tiruvarur
- Nagapattinam
- Mayiladuthurai
In these areas, more than 4,008 kilometers of channels will be addressed under 672 works, with a budget exceeding Rs 62.8 crore.
Special Desilting Scheme and Broader Coverage
Overall, the water resources department is implementing the Special Desilting Scheme, which targets 4,972 kilometers of A and B category channels through 959 works. The total financial outlay for this scheme is Rs 100 crore. This extensive project covers 12 districts along the Cauvery basin:
- Trichy
- Thanjavur
- Tiruvarur
- Nagapattinam
- Mayiladuthurai
- Pudukkottai
- Perambalur
- Ariyalur
- Karur
- Salem
- Namakkal
- Erode
Positive Reception from Farmers and Additional Initiatives
'Swamimalai' Vimalanathan, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers Protection Association, expressed strong support for the early desilting efforts. "Desilting will help Cauvery water reach fields without delay. At the same time, clearing drainage channels will ensure proper outflow during the monsoon and unseasonal rains," he remarked, emphasizing the dual benefits for irrigation and flood management.
In parallel, the agricultural engineering department is set to begin desilting 2,375 kilometers of C and D category channels at a cost of Rs 10 crore. This work will be carried out in seven districts: Trichy, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Ariyalur, and Cuddalore.
Furthermore, the rural development department will undertake the clearing of smaller interior channels under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), which has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. For the larger A, B, C, and D channels, earthmovers will be deployed, while narrower channels will be cleared manually, ensuring a thorough and efficient approach to the desilting process.
