TN Chief Secretary asks PWD to expedite river project

Tiruchirapalli, Aug 23 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary L K Tripathy had instructed the Public Works Department(PWD) officials to expedite the project on inter-linking of the State rivers.

The foundation stone for the project was laid recently by the Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, which envisages construction of the barrage across the Cauvery at Mayanur and harnessing of the excess flow by linking the river with Agniyar, Koraiyar, Vaigai and Gundar.

Addressing a review meeting here yesterday, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to remove encroachments on water bodies.

They should maintain a close vigil against the illegal sand mining from river beds and an awareness campaign should be initiated on rain water harvesting, he added.

Mr Karunanidhi also directed the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board to expedite the Ramanathapuram combined Drinking Water Supply scheme project. The Agriculture Department should propagate the information about the rice intensification system among the farmers, he added.

He asked the district administration to remain alert by taking precautionary measures during the monsoon. District officials should ensure that roads laid through various projects conformed to the quality standards, the TN CM added.

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