The Kalingarayan Pasana Sabai has urged the State Government for early release of funds to carry out the third phase of concrete lining of the Kalingarayan canal.
Under the first and second phase of concrete lining, a little over nine miles were covered at a cost of Rs. 90 crore over the last few years. The work involved construction of a baby canal to drain sewage water and industrial effluents into the Cauvery and a jeep road on the right side.
Concrete lining of the 730-year-old canal has increased the water velocity enabling reach to tail-end areas. At a recent meeting of the Sabai chaired by its president V.M. Velayutham, speakers voiced the need for sanction of funds at least next year for completion of the third phase envisaging coverage up to 15th mile. A resolution was adopted at the meeting urging the district administration and the Public Works Department to ensure early completion of maintenance works for the scheduled release of water from Bhavani Sagar Dam on June 16, in view of the comfortable storage position in the reservoir.
The Sabai wanted the government to accord priority for power connections to wells dug up in the canal’s ayacut area. The meeting also called for construction of four check dams across the Bhavani river from Kodiveri to Kalingarayanpalayam, to harness surplus water that otherwise drains into the sea.
