Several projects in pipeline to reduce water crisis: Jaya

Chief minister J Jayalalithaa said that she would implement the Avinashi-Athikadavu project once she forms the government again after the elections.

Seeking to turn tables on DMK's ally Congress for delay in implementation of the project, Jayalalithaa blamed the UPA government for delay in implementation of the project, during the campaign meeting in Coimbatore on Sunday.

"The state government sent an 1862 crore proposal to the Congress-led UPA government in 2013 to tap surplus water from river Bhavani under Flood Management Programme. But the Centre rejected the proposal,'' she alleged.

The project, expected to address water woes of not just Avinashi but several other villages, has remained a contentious issue in the region. After a massive protest demanding the implementation of the project, the AIADMK government announced that it would be implemented.

Jayalalithaa said the state government has sanctioned 3.27crore for roping in a consultancy firm to prepare required project reports and associated documents which need to be sent to the union environment ministry for approval.

Listing out other projects on the pipeline for Coimbatore and adjoining districts, Jayalalithaa said work to prepare a detailed project report for Silla Halla hydro power scheme was under way.

Jayalalithaa said that a 130crore combined drinking water project aimed at addressing water woes of seven town panchayats and 134 rural habitations falling under Thondamuthur panchayat union was under way.

For the city, she said that expression of interest has been invited for implementation of 556 crore water project which would ensure 24/7 drinking water supply to the residents.

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