Chennai,Apr10 (PTI)
Tamil Nadu government set up a task force, headed by well-known irrigation expert A Mohankrishnan, for modernising Cauvery Delta Irrigation system
State PWD Minister Duraimurugan told the state assembly that major irrigation systems in the Cauvery delta like Lower Coleroon needed extensive improvements of infrastructure and modernisation of existing irrigation structures for optimum utilisation of Cauvery Waters.
Though modernisation was long overdue, it could not be taken up as Karnataka opposed the move on the plea that the Cauvery water dispute was pending.
"Now that the Cauvery dispute has reached the final stage, the government thought it fit to initiate steps to get the cauvery basin irrigation improvements done and hence the task force.The force is expected to submit its report before July 2008', he said.
Replying to a debate on the demands of grants for his department, he said the state PWD department was turning 150-years old this year and functions to celebrate the 150th anniversary would be organised all over the state. All staff of the department would be given a gift of Rs.1,000 to celebrate the occasion, he said.