Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government will take up projects worth Rs 972 crore to prevent seawater intrusion and improve the condition of the Kollidam, Vellar and Noyyal rivers, Water Resources Minister N Anand told the Assembly on Friday.
Responding to questions from legislators representing Chidambaram and Tiruppur South during Zero Hour, Anand said climate change and rising sea levels had resulted in seawater entering the Kollidam river along its estuary for nearly 18 km, affecting nearby villages.
Protective wall planned along Kollidam
The government is planning to construct a protective wall near the tail-end of the Kollidam between Thirukkalipaalai village in Chidambaram and Alagakudi in Sirkazhi.
The project is expected to help recharge groundwater and provide irrigation support to around 13,220 hectares.
Anand said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) had initially been prepared at an estimated cost of Rs 773 crore. A revised DPR is now being prepared based on model studies.
Rs 194 crore barrage proposed on Vellar
To tackle seawater intrusion into the Vellar river, the government has proposed a barrage near Adhivaraganallur in Bhuvanagiri taluk.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 194 crore, including Rs 44.39 crore for land acquisition, the minister said.
The barrage is intended to prevent further seawater intrusion and protect the river and surrounding areas.
Noyyal restoration plan targets pollution
The Noyyal river in Tiruppur is facing pollution caused by untreated sewage entering the river through drains and stormwater channels.
Anand also pointed to the widespread growth of water hyacinth and other invasive plants.
Following Chief Minister Vijay’s directions, a DPR for restoring the Noyyal river has been prepared at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore. The proposal is currently under government consideration.
The planned measures across the three rivers are aimed at addressing seawater intrusion, pollution and the wider impact of changing environmental conditions on water resources.