Watershed restoration works underway with donors in Sivaganga district

Sivaganga district administration restores water bodies with donor support, aiming to ensure free flow for irrigation.

For the second consecutive year, the Sivaganga district administration has taken up restoration of water bodies with the active support from donors, philanthropists and NGOs, said District Collector Asha Ajith here on Saturday.

Following appeals from the farmers and farmers’ associations, the Collector had visited the water bodies and assured them to remove the bushes, encroachment and strengthening of the bunds which would ensure free flow of water for irrigation purposes.

As a first step, the district administration took stock of the issues in the Palar river near Seelaneerpatti village. After preliminary assessment, it was proposed to cleanse the bushes with private participation. “For almost 26 km, the bushes and other debris had to be removed. Then, we have to survey the water flowing area and plant saplings along the water course....” the Collector said. He added that they required around ₹33.39 lakh for the project.

Inspecting the restoration works at the site, Minister KR Periakaruppan said that TN Chief Minister M K Stalin was keen to revive and restore all the water bodies so that they were fully utilised by the farmers. Keeping this in mind, the district administration had roped in philanthropists for getting the works done.

Appreciating and thanking the donors, the minister said that more number of philanthropists should come forward as it would motivate a sense of participation in the community.

On behalf of the Karuppiah Ramayee Trust, ₹5 lakh cheque was presented on the occasion by KR Manikandan. The minister also said that donations were expected from Kokkanendal Ravi Veerappan of Tessolve, Kanadukathan Muthuraman of Lakshmi Ceramics and among others.

The district administration had taken up cleaning up of Saruguniaar in Sivaganga last year spending about ₹25 to ₹30 lakh. The works were almost completed and soon, they were planning to take up restoration of Veeruchuliaaru at ₹54 lakh to clean up encroachments along 48 km stretch and sponsors were welcome.