Desilting of water bodies under special scheme begins in Namakkal

Desilting of canals and tanks in Namakkal district to improve irrigation and flood control, funded by Water Resources Department.

Desilting of canals and tanks under the Special Desilting Scheme began in Namakkal district on Sunday.

Rajya Sabha member K.R.N. Rajeshkumar inaugurated the works at Athanur Chinneri canal at Thengalpalayam village in Rasipuram taluk and the works would be carried out in 23 canals and tanks for 68.05 km at ₹1.64 crore under the scheme for the year 2025-26.

Mr. Rajeshkumar told reporters that the Water Resources Department sanctioned funds for the desilting works so that water would reach the tail-end areas for irrigation. Further, it would enable water to drain quickly during floods. The works would be completed before release of water Mettur dam for irrigation, he said.

Orders were issued to desilt canals and tanks for 24.95 km at Komarapalayam Aassembly constituency at ₹38.50 lakh, for 1.90 km in Namakkal Assembly constituency at ₹8 lakh, for 17.05 km in Senthamangalam Assembly constituency at ₹48.15 lakh, for 18 km in Rasipuram Assembly constituency at ₹52.60 lakh, and for 6.15 km in Tiruchengode Assembly constituency at ₹16.50 lakh, he added.

Desilting of the Athanur Chinneri canal for 1.50 km would help irrigate 98.78 hectares of agricultural lands, he said.