Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the State Government to accord priority for the implementation of Thoni Maduvu scheme in Kolathur block in Salem district.
Speaking to presspersons here on Saturday, Dr. Anbumani said that the people of Kolathur block have been demanding the Thoni Maduvu irrigation reservoir scheme near Periathanda in Ilakkampatti panchayat for more than 50 years.
Despite the preparation of project report, the scheme has not been launched so far. The execution of this scheme would immensely benefit the farming community of Ilakkampatti, Karunganallur, Kaveripuram, Alamarathupatti, Sithirapattiputhur, Kannamoochi, Moolakkadu, Sampalli village panchayats in Kolathur union and Guruvareddiyur, Jarthal, Komarayanur panchayats in Ammapettai union in the neighbouring Erode district, he said. It would also bring additional 10,000 hectares under irrigation.
The project report said that about 190 acres of forest land and 60 acres of private lands were needed for the implementation of this project. The State Government should approach the Centre for getting its consent and financial assistance for the implementation of this worthy project, he said.
Dr. Anbumani said that much water goes waste in River Cauvery every year. The implementation of the Mettur Surplus water scheme by using five tmc of surplus water would immensely benefit in improving the groundwater level in Salem and neighbouring districts.
Dr. Anbumani said that different governments in the past had not implemented proper water management programmes in the State. At present about 30 lakh hectares were under cultivation in the State and proper water management programmes would enable in doubling the area under cultivation. He alleged large scale corruption in the construction of check dams across the State and demanded a fair probe.
Earlier, Dr. Anbumani presented a petition to the District Collector demanding steps for the implementation of the Thoni Maduvu scheme.