PREFACE

We are so privileged to publish this valuable book titled

Tamilnadu PWD Past & Present authored by
Er.K.Ramalingam, Former CE, TNPWD, Former President,
Association of Engineers, TNPWD and presently the State
President, Tamilnadu PWD Senior Engineers Associaiton
as a Platinum Jubilee Publication of AOE, TNPWD.
We are really fortunate to have I written by a Senior
Stalwart of PWD and our Association.

Infact it is a continuation of Er.C.S.Kuppurajs book 150 years History of PWD,

mainly supplementing and complementing the activities of TNPWD in the last 150
years both before independence and also in the post independent period.
It
gives not only a detailed account of works implemented but also the engineers
responsible for the execution.

The data furnished relating to floodworks are very extensive and unique one
carefully compiled in this treatise. The list of CEs of PWD from its inception
1857 to 2011 is included as a special addition, a reference for the present as well
as for the future.

We are thankful to Er.K.Ramalingam, who took lot of pains including proof

correction at this age of 85 years. Er. N.Kailasapathy & Staff Er. AVA for their
assistance.

We convey our sincere thanks to Er. A.Mohanakrishnan, Former CE (I), PWD,

Former Chairman CTC & Present Advisor - Water Resources (TN) for his valuable
suggestions and correction of certain data and Thiru. S. Audiseshiah, IAS (Retd)
Former Principal Secretary to Govt., PWD for their forewords adorning this book.

We are grateful to Er. D.Arumugam, President & Er.P.Krishnamoorthy, General

Secretary - Association of Engineers for their support and assistance.

Our thanks are also to Thiru. M.Nasar Ahmed (M.S.Xerox) and VPS Printers
for preparing the DTP works amd printing.

We hope that this valuable treasure will be useful as a reference guide for the PWD
Engineers and their well-wishers for many decades.
Er. A.Veerappan
Chairman, Organishing Committee
AOE, TNPWD A Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

FOREWORD

It is my pleasure and privilege to write the Foreword to

the book authored by Er. K. Ramalingam, my esteemed
colleague in the Public Works Department. This is on the
request of Er. A. Veerappan, State Secretary of the
Tamil Nadu PWD Senior Engineers Association and
Chairman, Organising Committee for the Celebration of
the Platinum Jubilee of the Association of Engineers,
Tamil Nadu Public Works Department.

Er.A.Mohanakrishnan

Er. K. Ramalingam is a very simple, honest, frank gentleman, soft and pleasing in
his speech and manners. Always action-oriented, given a work to do, he will plunge
into, with only the objective and target in mind. He has been very hard working
and was sought after whenever difficult complicated jobs are to be executed in the
department.

Unlike me, he was versatile and has handled many intricate jobs in record time to
the satisfaction of his senior officers. His execution of the Manniar Silt Ejector in the
Cauvery Delta in 1974 with very little of technical help available to him, except for
his visit to see similar Ejectors in the North Indian Irrigation Systems, has been a
talk among us, his colleagues for long, and I am happy to record that Manniar Silt
Ejector is still functioning satisfacatorily.

I still remember how I admired his audacity as Executive Engineer to jump in, to
take the wheel of the jeep when we were both taking the then Chief Engineer, of
those days, in that jeep with no other vehicle for rescue, to drive a number of
kilometres in the sandy tract leading to Dhanushkodi after the well known 1964
December devastating cyclone causing a six - metre wave sweeping clean across
the tract into the sea leaving none alive, except a lonely dog which escaped. It is
something of a phenomenon we now call "tsunami". We were taking the Chief
Engineer to show the floating buoys we had erected for wind and tide observations
while engaged in the detailed investigations for the alignment of the Sethu
Samudram Canal which was dredged half way through and is halted at present.

Er. K. Ramalingam, if I remember correct, did a lot of work for the Cooum
Improvements and also largely improved the North Buckingham Canal
widening and deepening, for resumption of navigation. He served on deputation for
a period in the Neyveli Lignite Corporation in the formation period. He was the
first Superintending Engineer posted on deputation to the Fishing and Marine
Engineering Corporation and did a lot of initial investigation works to establish

minor ports along the South Indian coast both east and west like Thondi, Muttom,
Colachel etc.

His services were lent to the Space Department when the Centre at Sriharikota
was being developed. He made a mark in planning and organizing civil works in the
initial stages for the functioning of the Centre meant for sending out PSLVs
successfully since 1980, carrying satellites of various types, Indian and foreign, of
varying pay loads.

As Managing Director of the TN Tube Well Corporation which he organized,

with regional units at Chennai, Villupuram and Trichy, to tap the ground water in
the eastern plains of Tamil Nadu, he maintained close coordination with the
investigations being done by the Ground Water Department, PWD. When he found
too much of interference from the administrators, he preferred to leave and get
back to PWD.

As one who closely followed me in the listing of PWD Engineers, he got promoted as
Chief Engineer, PWD, in charge of Minor Irrigation in 1984. During his period
he concentrated on the minor irrigation tanks all over in Tamil Nadu and their
modernization through external funding from the European Economic Community.
Several Ex-Zamin tanks were also improved and brought under the Public Works
Department where the ayacut served exceeded 40 hectares and the local
Panchayat Unions where the ayacut served is less than 40 hectares, for
maintenance.

Coming to the Publication a draft copy of which was handed over to me, which I
have read completely, the author by himself has clarified it as a SOURCE BOOK
AND NOT A HISTORY in his "Introduction" chapter which I may extract below:"Therefore the present account is not a history and not even an exhaustive
account. But it is a source book. The events are arranged under some
convenient heads for quick reference. Every effort has been made to trace
the eventsfrom the administration and technical reports of the State
Government and some institutions like the Association of Engineers,
Budget speeches and Policy notes of the PWD".

Er. K. Ramalingam rightly points out how we in the department are poor in
recording events and maintaining histories of at least major technical
achievements. He has taken enormous pains to collect information from different
sources and perhaps from his own jottings he might have maintained.

Listing of "Former Chief Engineers" in chapter 31 from the first Chief Engineer of
the department, the most renowned irrigation engineer Col. Sir Arthur Cotton KC

IRE, appointed in 1857 when the department was created, right upto the latest
appointment on 08.08.2011 is commendable. The advisability of rearranging
according to the subjects they held charge like irrigation, buildings, investigation,
IHH, IMTI, PF, DRCS and so on irrespective of the repetition of the names under
different heads, may be considered while editing.

I should congratulate the Association of Engineers, Tamil Nadu PWD, who

have planned the publication of this book to be released in their Platinum Jubilee
Valedictory Function. This Association under the guidance of my elderly colleague
Er. C.S. Kuppuraj got a fillip during ESCO 70 which he organized, .has been
making a steady progress since then, under able successors, to reach this Platinum
Jubilee year and present an image of trust, and respect as an organization serving
the Engineers of the department, not only in representing and obtaining the
reasonable emoluments for their services in the department, but also in improving
their technical caliber through releases of technical hand books and publication of
this nature.

I am sure this Publication will serve the present and future generation of engineers
in the Public Works Department as a SOURCE BOOK to whenever they come
across situations, left to handle similar works by themselves, to learn and seek
guidance from the contribution made by several engineers of the past in the
department.

07-09-2011

A.Mohanakrishnan
Advisor to Government,
(Water Resources)

S.AUDISESHIAH, I.A.S. (Retd.)

Former Principal Secretary to Government, PWD
52, Cauvery street,
Kalakshetra Colony,
Besant Nagar,
Chennai 600 090.

FOREWORD

I deem it my honour and privilege to be invited to write

the foreword for this compendium titled Tamil Nadu
Public Works DepartmentPast and Present authored
by Er.K.Ramalingam, retired Chief Engineer, Public Works Department and former
President/AOE, TNPWD and also sitting President, Senior Engineers Association,
TNPWD. I thank Er. A.Veerappan, State Secretary & Chairman, Organising
Committee and the office bearers of Senior Engineers Association, TNPWD for giving
me this opportunity.

Er. K. Ramalingam has created an impressive compendium of facts and figures

carefully researching through 150 glorious years of Public Works Department. The
content, in the given framework, covering a long history of the Organization cannot
be expected to be more comprehensive. The author has tried to ensure that there
are no gaps in information at any point in time regarding the outstanding
performance of the Department. It is then for the individual reader to seek further
details specific to the given subject depending upon his/her interest. I sincerely feel
that every reader of this publication is obliged to compliment Er. K. Ramalingam for
his sincere effort.

An interesting fact reiterated in this compilation is that the Irrigation System in Tamil
Nadu which we are proud of has its origin in the vision and creations of our ancient
dynasties of Chera, Chola, Pandian and Pallava. The author conveys the fact that our
ancient rulers were not only proud of their creations but also were optimistic that the
bountiful water sources created in the form of canals, tanks, anaicuts etc will remain
perennial. However it is a pity that the optimism of our ancient rulers is not fully
realised, in the sense that over exploitation of resource, regional greed of denying
equitable distribution of water flows across the regions and non-compliance of the
well-thought-out past water-sharing agreements has become the rule of the day.

The author has given due recognition to the British rulers as well by highlighting
some of the outstanding irrigation projects such as Mullai Periyar, Mettur Dam and
several anaicuts across rivers, initiating significant improvements to the then existing
infrastructure, both before and after establishing a full-fledged Department of Public

Works in 1858. Some of the great contributors during British rule like Captain Arther
Cotton, Col. Ellis, Er.Pennycuik and others are recalled as being synonymous with
monumental irrigation projects created in Southern India.

The author also covers a plethora of irrigation works like Lower Bhavani, Noyyal,
Kodumudiyar, Marudanadhi, Palar Porandalar, Uppar, Vaigai, the marvellous
Parambikulam Aliyar Project and many others created after Independence. The basic
details provided in respect to each project i.e. time of execution, project cost, ayacut
area etc will be of immense value for reference and further study.

I compliment the author for adequately elaborating under chapters 16 & 17 the tank
modernization schemes undertaken since early 18th century. His summery
presentation of Irrigation Growth in the State before and after Independence in the
following Chapter is impressive too. One can visualise from the presentation that the
network of nearly 30,000 irrigation tanks (PWD & Panchayat) across the State, a
unique feature forming part of minor irrigation system is the main stay of farming
community, particularly in dry regions. Considering the fact that about 33% of
irrigated land is supported by tanks, the author has justified in conveying the
importance of this segment of irrigation. Modernization schemes like WRCP,
IAMWARM and NABARD supported minor irrigation works have aimed at increasing
farm productivity thereby assuring sustainable optimum income to the farmers. This
is believed to be achievable through rehabilitation and modernization of water
sources with particular reference to tanks and canals, up-gradation of water studies
and training institutes, effective participation of water user associations etc. The
author has vividly brought out the positive outcome of these schemes and while
doing so has conveyed, as I understand that water use efficiency in combination with
farmers participation is the key to achieve the objectives of modernization schemes.

While indicating further modernization schemes in the pipeline, the author has
specifically mentioned the Cauvery Modernization Scheme, since submitted by the
Task Force constituted under the Chairmanship of Er.A. Mohanakrishnan. I had the
opportunity of examining this report during my tenure as Principal Secretary to
Government in the Public Works Department. I can confidentally say that this is one
of the most meticulously prepared reports and am hopeful that we can soon see the
execution of this project.

Yet another highlight in the compilation is the subject relating to Inter-State Water
Disputes. Although the content is not very elaborate, it gives a gist of developments
over a period of time in chronological order. This will enable the reader to appreciate
the amount of effort, time and money consumed despite which just settlements are
still eluding. There is therefore the need for a strong time specific dispute settlement

mechanism including a firm legal frame failing which the food security will become a
serious casualty.

Some of the other notable subjects specifically covered in the compilation are, Tank
Improvement Works, IAMWARM Works, Water Users Associations, Training and
Water Institutes, Ground Water and Hydrological Studies, Interlinking of Intra-State
rivers and Public Buildings of monumental value. This information, in my view, will
immensely benefit the departmental Engineers to take existing schemes forward with
imagination, dynamism and dedication for the larger benefit of society.

The author has been meticulous not to miss the administrative systems that were in
place at different periods in time, since the full-fledged Public Works Department was
created in 1858.

In all, the author has done an appreciable job in bringing out the subject wise
significant developments spanning a period of 150 years of Public Works
Department. The objective of this exercise in my understanding can be twofold:
firstly to provide a handy guide to all the Engineers, particularly beginners in the
Department with readily available information and secondly to motivate the
incumbents to dedicate themselves in their duties for the larger good of society.
More importantly, I should say that a mere reading of this useful compilation inspires
everyone to contribute by way of writing and publishing books / papers on every
subject under the scope of the Organization. I will be extremely happy if the
Engineers serving and retired can make an attempt to elaborate each of the subjects
in this compilation, particularly those relating to Inter-State Water Disputes, Ground
Water and Hydrological Studies, Interlinking of Intra-State Rivers, Expansion of
Minor Irrigation Sources etc and intensively deliberate over them. Such initiatives
will go a long way for the policy makers to do their bit for further improvements to
the irrigation infrastructure and systems thereby impacting sustainable food
production enhancement.

Last but not least is my earnest desire to compliment the retired Senior Engineers
who I consider as legends and who continue to make significant contributions for the
good of the Organization and Society. I do not venture to name these outstanding
personalities for the fear of missing some. It is gratifying to note that some of the
serving engineers, particularly beginners show promise in terms of adding further
glory to the Organization.

I conclude by extending my best wishes to one and all on the occasion of Platinum
Jubilee of the Association of Engineers, Tamil Nadu Public Works Department.

21-09-2011

S. AUDISESHIAH

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter No.

Brief Description

Page No.

1.

Introduction

2.

Legacy from the past

3.

British Period

4.

Evolution of PWD Structure

13

5.

Notable Projects in Andhra Pradesh

23

6.

Projects in Malabar of Kerala State

25

7.

Cauvery Mettur Project and

27

Mettur High-Level Canal

8.

Grand Anicut Canal

33

9.

Flood and Flood works

35

10.

Buckingham Canal

41

11.

I.H.H. Poondi

46

12.

Coovum Improvement Works

48

13.

Mullaiperiyar and Periyar Vaigai works

51

14.

Interstate Water Disputes

54

15.

Projects after independence

59

16.

Tank Improvement works

105

17.

WRCP and IAMWARM works

110

18.

Irrigation growth in the state

135

Chapter No.

Brief Description

Page No.

19.

Training Institute

150

20.

Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes

152

21.

DCR Schemes

153

22.

Sand Quarries in the State

155

23.

Kudimaramath Works

156

24.

Chennai City Water Supply Schemes

159

25.

Marine works and Sethusamudram Project

165

26.

River Pumping schems and Tube-well Corporation

168

27.

Groundwater and Hydrological studies

172

28.

Interlinking of Rivers

183

29.

Anti-sea Erosion works and Royapuram Beach

186

30.

Building works

190

31.

Former Chief Engineers

214

32.

Bibliography

229

Er. K.RAMALINGAM, B.E., B.Gl., F.I.C.A., F.I.A.H., F.I.E., (India)

Former Chief Engineer (Minor Irrigation), TNPWD
AP 506, 16th Street, J-Block Anna Nagar West, Ch-40.
Ph : 044-26161640, Cell : 99411 28751,
E-mail : kempulingam@yahoo.co.in

CHAPTER - 1 : INTRODUCTION :

Tamilnadu PWD is a very live and dynamic institution and is a potent force to bridge
the gap between Government and the people, between hunger and hope and
between water and crops. It is now proposed to record some events of the past and
present, in a chronological order such that it may become a reference book of casestudies to help in applying them, to improve upon them, and to solve our future
problems and to fulfill the hopes of people and Government.

In the world, India and Egypt have been pioneering the traditions of applying river
waters to raise crops and feed the hungry people over many millenniums and China
had been pioneering in the field of innovative tools and machineries to maximize
results from the efforts of the mankind. In India, the state of Tamilnadu had been
demonstrating how best to harness and distribute the river waters to the fullest
extent, eventhough it had not been endowed with any major rivers and it ranks
about the last in the country in per-capita availability of water. In the art of building
construction, too, we have had a lineage of great builders like Rajaraja Chola and
Pallava kings and we continue the same tradition and we have established a distinct
style and culture in all our buildings.

Therefore the present account is not a history and not even an exhaustive account.
But, it is a source-book. The events are arranged under some convenient heads for
quick reference. Every effort has been made to trace the events from the
administrative and technical reports of the state governments and some institutions
like Association of Engineers, Budget speeches and Policy notes of the PWD
Ministers. But all these reports are not readily available in a continuous manner as
there is no regular systems of preservation. It is understood from the Secretariat
Librarian that the Government have stopped printing the administration reports
since the last few years. But a few reports were available from the years 1923 with
many gaps in the Connemara Library where access to them is very arduous and
forbidding. The Irrigation Department are not publishing the New Irrigation Era
regularly or with required care and lately, due to some administrative changes, the
nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

publication has been relegated to unconnected agencies. Therefore the activities

are not highlighted. On the other hand, compared with the past, the tempo of
activities and number of schemes and scale of investments have grown over 10
times over the past decade. Therefore it has become very necessary that we keep
all the technical, hydrological and financial particulars and publish them periodically.
Therefore many particulars had to be collected from the articles of the various
engineers presented at some seminars or in some journals. In this connection, the
contributions of our eminent Engineer Dr.A.Mohanakrishnan are to be very much
appreciated.

In this electronic age, web-sites will prove to be very good repositories but the
trouble comes at the time of updating when the old informations get lost. A system
should be evolved to store these data in regular files and preserve them. The
Government should also resume publication of the State administrative reports and
make them available in the web-sites freely to all those who want them. The Budget
and policy speeches must also be stored in web-sties. The Government
departments like PWD, Ground Water, Agriculture Engineering and Agriculture must
be encouraged to publish monthly bulletins and preserve them in the respective
departmental libraries, web-sites and also in Government libraries like Connemara
etc.

These Information are being serialised in the bimonthly bulletins of Mooththa

Poriyaalar of Tamilnadu PWD Senior Engineers Association since one year and the
Association of Engineers, TNPWD have thought it fit to publish this in a book form in
connection with the platinum jubilee celebration of the Association of Engineers I
hope that this publication will help to establish a recorded history of this type but
likely to contain some errors in dates or facts, I request the reading engineers and
others to contact me and point them out for later incorporation.

Er.K.Ramalingam
President, TNPWD Senior Engineers Association

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CHAPTER 2 : LEGACY FROM THE PAST

1. The rulers of Chera, Chola, Pandyan and Pallava kingdoms were very sensitive to
creation of irrigation facilities. The British who came after 1800 had not constructed
any irrigation tanks. They had done only major works like Periyar Dam and Cauvery
Mettur project and installed anicuts or regulators across rivers and channels in
Cauvery, Krishna and Godavari basins in 1850. They had inherited over 39000
irrigation tanks which account for 45% of the area brought under irrigation through
channels tanks and wells. When East India Company took over the state, they had
realized the important role played by irrigation tanks in preventing famines and
therefore appointed Sir Arthur Cotton as Inspector of tanks. Therefore the tanks
formed the infrastructure for irrigation development and it is worthwhile to record
when such tanks and related facilities were installed by native rulers before the
establishment of PWD by the British in the year 1858. The information on the history
of tanks is embedded in the poems of sangam period, and engravings from the
stone edicts and etchings in the walls of the ancient temples which date
backwards to the period before birth of Christ. Literatures like Silappadhikaram,
Thiruvilayaadal Puranam and Puranaanooru and Aganaanooru give indirect
information. The stone sluices and surplus weirs have been left with some
engravings of names of rulers or donors and their periods. Collection of such
information is beyond the scope of this article. However some information are given
from ready materials cited in the a bibliography.
2. Aganaanooru (76) states that Cauvery was always flowing full breaking the banks.
Puranaanooru (35) describes the Cauvery would never fail to feed the populace
even if sun were to change its direction of movement. Poem 68 declared that
Cauvery suckled her children like a mother. Manimekalai refers to the myth that
Cauvery originated from the pot of saint Agasthya.
3. Poets in Karnataka preserve episodes on battles that took place on the banks of
Cauvery river between the ruling families of Karnataka (Chalukyas and Rashtra
Kootahs) and of Tamilnadu (Cholas and Pallavas). The massive army of Pulikesi,
Vikramadihtya and Vimaladitya checked the flow of Cauvery between Uraiyur and
Puhar while marching against Chola capital. In the 18th century Chikkadevaraya
Wodaiyar completed building a dam and some Tamil Chieftains of Madurai region
are stated to have hastened to Mysore and made unsuccessful attempts to
destroy it.

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4. Though Cauvery is born in western ghats, and flows hundreds of miles before
entering into present day Tamilnadu, it was exploited more by the Tamils than by
Kannadigas. This is satirically observed by a 13th century Kannadya grammarian
named Kesiraja, author of Sabdamaniderpana. He wants to know from Tigulas
(Tamils) whether they were borrowing the water from Kannadigas or appropriating
in the name of past debt.
5. Restoration of old tanks and introduction of minor works between 1800 and 1810 by
Dewan Poorniah of Mysore and constitution of PWD in 1856 of the Mysore state
were viewed with suspicion and Madras Government formally expressed its concern
on these developments in 1870. This brought the two states to the negotiating table
at Ooty, in 1890, leading to conclusion of 1892 agreement. Records say that
Irrigation facilities in Mysore state in 1900 was sufficient for cultivating 1.1 lakh
acres and that this increased to 4.4 lakh acres in 1971. Records say that before the
completion of Mettur dam the ayacut was only 14.4 lakh acres and this got
increased to 45 lakh acres after commissioning of the dam.
6. The following are some of the irrigation rivers which existed in the period of Chola
kings (846-954)
1) Mudikondan Cholapperaaru

6) Veera Rajendra Chola Vadavaru

2) Tanporuttaperaru

7) Vikramanaru

3) Sankatavuta Cholapperaaru

8) Karikala Cholapperaaru (Kollidam)

4) Akalanka Peraaru

9) Veeracholanaaru

5) Veerachola Vadavaru
7. The following are some of the channels which were excavated or named by Chola
kings (846-954).
1) Arunmozhidevan Voikkal

8) Keralamadevi Voikkal

2) Arinjikar Voikkal

9) Kodandarama Voikkal

3) Irajakesari Voikkal

10) Cipudhi Voikkal

4) Irajendra chola Voikkal

11) Sangam Thavirtha Chola Voikkal

5) Uttamachili Voikkal

12) Sundara chola Voikkal

6) Utthamachola Voikkal

13) Sembian Madevi Voikkal

7) Gangaikonda chola Voikkal

14) Cenanatha Voikkal

15) Cholakula Voikkal

33) Jayakonda chola Voikkal

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16) Cholachoolamani Voikkal

34) Sri Arinjikar Voikkal

17) Nittavinodan Voikkal

35) Srikanda Voikkal

18) Parachakkara thatta Voikkal

36) Ganderaaditta Voikkal

19) Paramesvara Voikkal

37) Sri Sembiyamaadevi Voikkal

20) Parantakan Voikkal

38) Sri Parantaka Voikkal

21) Maadevan Voikkal

39) Aali Voikkal

22) Maadevi Voikkal

40) Irayan Voikkal

23) Mudikonda chola Voikkal

41) Ganapati Voikkal

24) Vanavan Madevi Voikkal

42) Ganapati voikal

25) Vimaladitya Voikkal

43) Karumanikka voikal

26) Subramanya voikal

44) Kesava voikal

27) Tiruvengada voikal

45) Saraswati voikal

28) Thillividanga voikal

46) Valli voikal

29) Padmanabha voikal

47) Veereswara voikal

30) Parvati voikal

48) Sri Devi voikal

31) Veerachola Voikkal

49) Sri Purushothama voikal

32) Veeranarayana Voikkal

50) Sri Madava voikal

8. The drains excavated in Cauvery delta during Chola period are given below (846
954)
1. Veeranarayana vadi

8. Kausala vadi

2. Srikandaraditya vadi

9. Kamadeva vadi

3. Sri Sembiyamaadevi vadi

10. Sankara vadi

4. Sri Sembiyamaadevi vadi

11. Thiruchitrambala vadi

5. Sri Rajaskesari vadi

12. Thiruvaranga vadi

6. Sri Ranga vadi

13. Sreedara vadi

7. Sri Veeranarayana vadi

14. Perumal vadi

15. Srikamuka vadi

26. Naratanga vadi

16. Sriveerakamuka vadi

27. Panchavanmaadevi vadi

17. Annanarayana vadi

28. Parameswara vadi

18. Aditha vadi

29. Parakrama vadi

19. Irajakesari vadi

30. Madurantaka vadi

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

20. Kandarulkanda vadi

31. Madeva Adigal vadi

21. Kamara vadi

32. Mummudi Chola vadi

22. Kadarangonda vadi

33. Vayiramega vadi

23. Kulothunga Chola vadi

34. Vairravan vadi

24. Chola kulavalli vadi

35. Videvidugu vadi

25. Tribhuvana Maadevi Vadi

Some more ancient structures of the past are given below :
No

Name of Structure

River

Period

Remarks as to the
kings responsible

1.

Uyyakondan
channel

Cauvery

985-1014

Rajarajacholan

2.

Head sliuice
Uyyakondan

1070 1120

Kulothunga cholan

3.

Manniyaru

Cauvery

1216-1256

Rajaraja Cholan

for Cauvery

near Konerirajapuram
4.

Mudikondan

Cauvery

1216-1256

Rajaraja Cholan

5.

Veeracholan river

Cauvery

Veera Rajendra cholan

6.

Vikraman River

Cauvery

1118-1125

Vikrama Cholan near

Kuttalam

7.

Kandaraditha Tank

Cauvery

950-957

Kandaratyachola

8.

Parameswara
Thadagam

Cauvery

7th century

Parameswara Varman
(great grand son)

9.

Gunamalli

Cauvery

7th Century

Mahendra Varman

10.

Mahendra
Thadagam

Cauvery

7th Century

Mahendra varman

11.

Palar anicut

Palar

7th century

12.

Mahendra odai

Palar

7th Century

13.

Vinnamangalam

Palar

920

King Udayendran

14.

Thanneer
Palar
Thadagam (Dravya

8th century

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No

Name of Structure

River

Period

Remarks as to the
kings responsible

Thadagam)
15.

Veeramega
Thadagam

Palar

8th century

Pallava king near Uthira

merur

16.

Parimelan Kanmoi

Palar

8th century

near
Melur.
Maravarma
Sundarapandiyan

17.

Walaja Tank

Palar

19th century

Karnataka Nawab N.A.

Dist

18.

Kodiveri Anicut

Bhavani

1500 AD

Vijayanagar king

19.

Madurantakam Tank

Kiliyar

984-1014

Rajarajacholan

20.

Veeranam
Tank Vellar
(Veeranarayana Eri)

907-988

Parantaka Chola

21.

Kandaratheetha Eri

Cauvery

950-957

Kandaratheetha Cholan

22.

Kaveripakkam Tank

Palar

9th century

Nandivarman III

23.

Samudram Tank

Cauvery
basin

19th century

Maharatta ruler

24.

Perungulam
Tank Cauvery
(Chola Samudram)

1250

Rajarajachola

25.

Sembyan Endal

Cauvery

11th century

Chola kings

26.

R.S.Mangalam Tank

Vellar

900-920

Feeding channel from

Vaigai

27.

Kodimelazhagam
Anicut

Tambiraparani 7th century

28.

Nathiunni anicut

Tambiraparani 7th century

29.

Kannadian Anicut

Tambiraparani 7th century

30.

Kodagan Anicut

Tambiraparani 7th century

31.

Pazhavan Anicut

Vellar

7th century

32.

Marudur Anicut

Vellar

7th century

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Pandyan kings

by

Remarks as to the
kings responsible

No

Name of Structure

River

Period

33.

Gudumelan Anicut

Vellar

7th century

34.

Ukkal Tank

Cauvery

1012-1043

Maintained by lands
granted by Rajendra
cholan

35.

Thinneri
(Thinnaneri)

8th Century

Pallava king Thirayan

36.

Chembarambakkam
Tank

Adyar

8th century

Pallava king. Terminal

tank of Palar Anicut
system
strengthened
after floods for city
water supply

37.

Pandyan Dam

Palayar

1000 AD

Marthanda Varman but

silted
up
and
abandoned

38.

Ullar Surplus course

Cauvery

200 BC

Improved by Maharatta
king in 1801

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Tank Palar

CHAPTER 3 : BRITISH PERIOD

The British formed a full fledged PWD in 1858. The military engineers were
assigned on permanent basis. There were 3 branches in 1866 of (i) Military works
(2) Civil works including irrigation and (3) Railways. By 1895 military works became
heavy and were formed into a separate branch. Sir Arthur Cotton was in front of
fame in 1850s with successful execution of works in Cauvery, Krishna and
Godavari basins. Irrigation projects appeared like goldmines and private persons
entered into the field under guarantees provided by G.O. I who assured 5% return
on capital outlay. Two Irrigation companies were floated in 1858 to exploit coastal
areas of Orissa and adjoining areas. Madras Irrigation Company was formed in
1863 but failed in their ventures and GOI took over these companies. In 1866 major
change took place in the policy of GOI and they ruled that irrigation projects shall be
executed to prevent famines and they shall be financed from grants and loans from
GOI without any consideration of state boundaries. Though Railway projects were
more remunerative, famine occurances opened eyes of many engineers who felt
that priority should be given to irrigation. When the East India Company took over
the state administration, all irrigation structures were in a state of ruin and neglect
due to frequent wars and behaviours of many small rulers and kings. People were
diverting water from streams and rivers by means of temporary korambus and muddams which were renewed after every flood. Farmers were satisfied with yields from
fields even though they were very meager and large land holdings easily made
good their requirements.
In response to demands of farmers, British were obliged to construct many anicuts
and regulators in the places of mud korambus. But no irrigation tanks seem to here
been formed except Chembarambakkam (1893) Periyar and Mettur and Wellingdon
reservoir took most of their meticulous planning and investigation. Such works
executed during British period (upto independence in 1947) are given below.
Sl. Name of Dam /
No Anicut

Period of
Construction

River sub
basin

Cost Capacity
in Rs. MCuM
lakhs

Area
Remarks
benefited
ha

1.

Periyar

1886-95

Periyar

108.00 443/299

57871

2.

Pechiparai

1895-1906

Kodayar

26

152/126

25900

3.

Wellingdon

1913-23

Vellar

23

73/60

11197

4.

Mettur dam

1926-34

Cauvery

680

2708/2646 121810

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Travancore
samasthanam

Sl. Name of Dam /

No Anicut

Period of
Construction

River sub
basin

Cost Capacity
in Rs. MCuM
lakhs

Area
Remarks
benefited
ha

5.

Srivaikundam
Anicut

1873

Tambaraparani

16.11

9617

6.

Kodivery Anicut

1894

Bhavani

0.71

9800

7.

Sethiathope Anicut

1895

Vellar

1.19

19200

8.

Tirukoilur Anicut

1895

Ponniar

0.45

15000

Sandy bed
500 m wide

9.

Cheyyar Anicut

1852

Cheyyar

1.10

28800

Feed 144
tanks

10. Poiney Anicut

1857

Poiney

0.28

14600

11. Palar Anicut

1857

Palar

2.58

4000

12. Cauvery grand

anicut Head
Regulator

1881

13. Upper Anicut

1836-38

Cauvery

NA

Remodelled in
1899-04 with
55 spans of
40 feet

14. Cauvery dam

1845

Cauvery

Check erosion
of Cauvery
bed

15. Papanasam

1943

Papanasam -

158

16. Lower Anicut

1836

Cauvery

NA

48000 ha Thanjavur and

South Arcot
Districts

17. Vennar Head

Regulator

1856

Cauvery

NA

1.8 Lakhs

18. Cauvery Surplus at

escape near

1850

Cauvery

NA

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10

Through many
tanks

Conceived in
1928-29
mainly for
power

Surplus into
Coleroon

Sl. Name of Dam /

No Anicut

Period of
Construction

River sub
basin

Cost Capacity
in Rs. MCuM
lakhs

Area
Remarks
benefited
ha

0.76

5269

Perumal koil
19. Chembarambakkam
tank

1893

Adyar

20. Sathyamurthy
Sagar (Poondi)

1944

Kosastalayar NA

21. Uyyakondan
Channel
Restoration

1938-39

Cauvery

NA

22. Lower Bhavani

1952

Bhavani

950

23. Nandyar Voikal

1899

Trichy

0.07

3210

24. Pelandur Anicut

1893

S.A

0.69

5044

25. Tamarapakkam
Anicut

1909

Chingleput

65.00

Drinking
water

26. Marudur Anicut

1894

Tambaraparani

0.06

7046

27. Vallur Anicut

1893

Kosastalayar 0.08

11.13

28. Pelandur &

Sethiahope anicuts

1850

Vellar

N.A

12000

Converted
into regulators
in 1913

29. Kattalai bed

regulator

1933-34

Cauvery

NA

25800

to replace 4
korambus

30. Kattalai North bank

canal

1934-35

Cauvery

NA

416

31. Kattalai High level

canal

1936-37

Cauvery

NA

822

32. Ayyavayyanar
improvements

1928-29

Cauvery

NA

NA

NA

33. upland drainage

1928-30

Cauvery

NA

NA

NA

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11

88.3
0.772

Chennai city
drinking water
1310

929/909

83772

Preliminary
works started
in British
period

5834 II stage

Sl. Name of Dam /

No Anicut

Period of
Construction

River sub
basin

Cost Capacity
in Rs. MCuM
lakhs

Area
Remarks
benefited
ha
2145

34. Barur tank

1891

Salem

0.46

35. Vriddachalam
Anicut

1893

South Arcot

0.24

3557

36. Mamadur Anicut

1891

South Arcot

0.09

1919

37. Puthan Dam

Paralayar

1894

16.11

23769

Cochin
Samasthanam

38. Kodayar

1906

Kanyakumari

40. Panamarathupatti
Tank

1911

Salem

6.98

The British Government had constructed barrages across Cauvery and Vennar rivers in
Cauvery Delta wherever branch rivers took off and helped to form 1505 A class
channels and 19000 km of branch channels in the old delta.

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12

CHAPTER 4 : EVOLUTION OF PWD STRUCTURE

The origin and development of the departments executing the Public Works in the
State could be briefly stated as follows :
A. Prior to the year 1858
All Public Works were carried out and maintained by three distinct and independent
departments in the presidency.
(i)

The Maramath department of the Board of Revenue :

Irrigation works, navigational canals, all civil buildings, all minor roads and
bridges not on the trunk roads or cantonments.

(ii)

The Trunk Road Department :

All trunk roads or great links of communication.

(iii)

The Engineering department of the Military Board :

All fortifications, all cantonments, all military buildings in the Province All
roads, bridges, public buildings in the Presidency town of Madras.

I. THE MARAMATH DEPARTMENT :

This department was practically incharge of the majority of the public works of all
kinds and was thus a very important department of the Government in the early
British period. At first the collectors assumed the charge of these works without
adequate professional assistance which resulted in unprofitable outlay and waste of
public money. Thereafter several periodical changes were effected for better
progress which may be serialized as below :
1809 : The engineers under the designation Superintendents of Tank Repairs
were appointed to aid the Collectors.
1819 : The Maramath department was regularly formed. The Inspector General of
Civil Estimates at the Presidency town had under him Civil Engineers in
each of the three divisions into which the then Presidency was divided.
1825 : The Inspector General of Civil Estimates came under the control of the Board of
Revenue but had the power to record his views for the information of the
Government if they differed from those of the Board.
1836 : The post of Inspector General of Civil Estimates was redesignated as the
Public Works Engineer. This engineer had a seat in the Revenue Board for
matters connected with his subject and was also Ex-officio Secretary of the
Board.
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13

1838 : The whole Presdency was rearranged into 8 maramath divisions each under a
Civil Engineer working under the Public Works Chief Engineer. The
construction and maintenance of civil buildings in the Provinces so far under the
Engineering department of the Military Board were taken over.
1858 : The Maramath department was abolished. The duties of the Civil Engineers and
of the establishment under them were mainly of supervision only and consisted
of
(a) Preparation of plans and estimates
(b) Inspection and direction of works under execution.
(c) Measuring up of works when finished.
(d) Execution of large building works and such project works in exceptional
cases.
The actual execution of works were done by Revenue Maramath department
working under the Tahsildars.
The strength of the department just at the time of its breaking was as follows :
Maramath department :

24 Civil Engineers

(permanent)

11 Civil Engineers

(temporary)

25 East Indian Surveyors

23 European overseers

35 Native Maistries
Revenue Maramath establishment : 12 Superintendents of Maramath & 79 Taluk
Maistries
II. The Madras Public Works Department
The Court of Directors in England appointed a Public Works Commission in 1855
to review the working of the Maramath Department and they came out with the
following recommendation.
(1) The Work of the Presidency are generally in a neglected state except in a
few favoured Districts.
(2) The annual grant allotted is inadequate.
(3) The establishment appointed is inadequate.
(4) The Board of Revenue is no longer able to deal with the business of
Maramath department.
(5) The executive establishment employed under the Tahsildars as Revenue
Maramath is inefficient
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14

(6) It is bad management and bad economy to have three establishments to be

in charge of different classes of work scattered over the Presidency
(7) One department should be established to manage all Public works and
should both supervise and execute the works.
Based on these recommendations and on the advice of the Home Government and
the Government of India, the Madras Public Work Department was first formed
in 1858 with the following cadre strength.
Chief Engineer

Inspecting Engineers

..

District Engineers

20

Executive and Assistant Engineers

78

Upper Subordinates, Sub Engineers, Supervisors and overseers

204

Lower Subordinates or Sub Overseers

714

B. 1859 1872
A few administrative changes that came in, during this period may be listed as
below:
1860 : The Chief Engineer was appointed as Secretary to Government in the
Public Works Department. Three Inspecting Engineers i.e. Deputy Chief
Engineers were temporarily vested with the powers of Chief Engineer.
1863 : Radical administrative changes came in posts of Inspecting Engineers which
were abolished. Eight Superintending Engineers were posted. The
Presidency was divided into 84 Public Works ranges and each put in charge of
an Executive Engineer. The Chief Engineer and Secretary to Government,
Public Works Department was mainly concerned with preparation of budgets,
allotment of funds and promotion of subordinates.
1867 : Chief Engineer, (Irrigation) was appointed. In 1870 the Public Works
Commission was appointed. Main points of reference were:(i) To consider the agency by which the minor works of Irrigation should be
effectively maintained.
(ii) To consider the efficient working of the Public Works administration as
organized in 1863.
The Commission stressed that maintenance of minor irrigation works should not
be handed over to the Revenue Department but considered that as their number
were far too great to admit of their effective maintenance by any Government
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15

Department, arrangement should be made for the execution of all ordinary repairs
not requiring professional skill by the agency of the ryots themselves by providing a
reduction of assessment in the form of a remission of revenue to be granted for
execution of such repairs. The Committee also recommended the revival of
Kudimaramaths or unpaid village labour of the ryots upon works of irrigation by a
legal enactment and also gave a draft act for enactment.
On the organization side, the Commission desired that the posts of
Superintending Engineer could be abolished and instead, 21 District
Engineers could work in close coordination with the District Collectors and in direct
communication with the two Chief Engineers. The Chief Engineer who was also
the Secretary to the Government, Public Works Department was asked to exercise
all powers of the professional Head of the Department as Chief Engineer
instead of merely being a Controlling Officer as envisaged in 1863. These
recommendations were implemented in 1872.
C. 1873 1942.
Further changes came in, during this period as the country was heading for self
Government and independence and more development oriented works were in
the offing. The executive and the Superintending Units were rearranged more than
once to suit the needs. A few such changes are as below :
1878 :

The District Engineer system was abolished and the posts of

Superintending Engineers were revived. 5 Superintending Engineers
were appointed and the executive divisions were 39.

1879 :

Executive divisions were further reduced to 29.

1880 :

Local fund works were transferred to the Local Boards. The

Superintending Engineers were reduced to 3 and the number of
executive divisions to 19.

1881 :

The Presidency was rearranged into 6 Superintending Engineers

circles and 30 executive divisions.

1895 :

Military works became heavy and got separated out of PWD.

Since then, the administrative units remained generally the same for well over five
decades. Large increase in works came in with several major irrigation projects
being taken up. Mention has to be made of the Periyar Dam built between 1885 and
1895 and the Mettur including the Grand Anicut and the Upper Anicut carried out
during this period. For all such project works special divisions and construction
circles were formed then and there according to necessity. Special units to deal
with famine and drought works and also flood works were also functioning at
different times.
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16

1850 :

Financial and social profits were note worthy and especially after
successful works carried out in Cauvery, Krishna and Godavary deltas
and irrigation work considered as a goldmine.

1858 :

Government allowed reluctantly private enterprises to enter irrigation

sector under guarantee scheme of 5% on investments. Irrigation
companies floated in England and went into operation in 1863.

1863 :

Madras Irrigation company was formed but failed in their venture.

Government of India took over both the companies.

1866 :

G.O.I. announced major irrigation policy of (a) states only to launch

projects (b) projects to be met from loans and (c) political state
boundaries not an interference.

1879 :

State Government took up schemes as productive and non-productive

as recommended by a committee and this productirty test depended
upon the rate of return.

1903 :

Irrigation Commission headed by Col. Scott Moncrief recommended

changes in principle from producturty to protection against famine and
G.O.I. approved this.

1914 to18 :

Funds became scarce due to diversion to war efforts and emphasis

shifted to productivity from social security.

1918-21:

Irrigation works were virtually under G.O. I before Montagu Chemsford

Reforms of 1921 States could take up schemes upto Rs.10 lakhs
Imperial and provincial names were given to all works States allowed to
raise loans. Funds given by G.O.I to States as advances.

1821 :

G.O.I. did not allow States to undertake any works above Rs.50 lakhs
without approval of Secretary of State until 01.04.37 when provincial
autonomy was introduced.

1825 - 26 :

Superintendent post was sanctioned for Workshop and Stores.

1928 - 29 :

3 workshops were set up at Madras, Dowaleshwaram and Bezawada

and Rs.7.09 lakhs sanctioned.

1935 :

Government of India Act Radical irrigation left to the sole legislative

completence of the states and of princes. G.O.I. stepped in, only in
cases of disputes when Governor General would appoint commissions.

1861-1921 :

Irrigation was a central subject and was closely watched by G.O.I. From
1837 it became a state subject.

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17

1943-1968 :
This quarter century was a crucial period in the history of our country. Following the
Quit India movement, the historical transfer of power from the British hands to
our countrymen was effected in the most cordial atmosphere. Immediately after
independence we launched gigantic projects for overall development through FiveYear plans drafted in succession. Our state, which had contributed in no small
measure in the struggle for independence, was now also in the forefront, in
implementing the development schemes.
The administrative machinery had to be geared up to handle these development
and construction schemes. Following the resolutions of the Indian Roads
Congress held in Nagpur in 1945, a massive programme for expansion and
development of the National and State Highways was drawn A separate
department to be in charge of all the roads was considered essential and the State
Highways Department was thus formed in 1946.
Through the Madras Act No.17 of 1961 the State Housing Board was formed to
execute housing and improvement schemes throughout the state. This restricted
the building activity in the Public Works Department to the public buildings,
educational medical, judicial, institutional and so on.
The Public Health and Sanitary works of the State were, over a long time, in the
charge of a special wing of the Public Works Department. With the fast
development of the urban water supply and sewerage schemes and the avowed
policy of the Government, to provide safe drinking water to all the villages the
workload in this wing had increased enormously. A separate Public Health and
Municipal Works Department was hence constituted in 1962 which has since
merged into the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board on 14.04.1971.
Tamil nadu Slum clearance Board was formed in 1972
1968 Reorganisation :
Recommendations of the 1968 commission are given in this chapter.
With the several development projects executed in the Five Year Plans, the
departmental activity both in the Irrigation and Buildings Branches had increased.
Besides, the permanent circles and divisions, several special construction circles
and divisions were functioning. A Special circle for food production schemes was
functioning with the entire state as the unit and similarly separate divisions
executing special minor irrigation schemes.
The new Government took a policy decision that the administrative set up should
have territorial jurisdiction rather than functional divisions and ordered
reorganization.
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18

 As per this, each district was placed in charge of a Superintending Engineer with
three or four divisions under him, each Executive Engineer having three or four
Assistant Engineers. Each unit was placed in charge of both the irrigation works and
buildings in its territorial jurisdiction. New Capital works, construction works and also
the maintenance works within the territorial jurisdiction were brought under the
same unit. Sixteen circles were formed in the reorganized set up as against the
fifteen existing circles. Of these sixteen, ten were district circles with the smaller
districts like Salem and Dharmapuri, Coimbatore and Nilgiris and Tirunelveli and
Kanyakumari forming single units. The other six were special circles like the
Designs, Central Mechanical, Floods, P.A.P. etc.,
1973 : Hindu Published the proposal of Tamilnadu Govt. to recruit direct Assistant
Executive engineers and Govt. issued G.O.Ms.No.1964 dated 18.12.1973 for
direct recruitment of Assistant Executive Engineer and the Association of
Engineers objected to the proposal. Government also issued a
G.O.Ms.No.1905, dated 10.12.73 to split PWD into 2 wings of buildings and
irrigation and to allow transfers during the next 10 years and not beyond. This
was also vehemently opposed by the Association of Engineers, TNPWD.
1984

Tamilnadu Irrigation Management Training Institute was established in the year

1984 with financial assistance from United States Agency for International
Development under Water Resource Management and Training Project
Government in G.O.Ms.759, dated 6.11.96 establishing Irrigation management
Training Institute at Trichy for training engineers and farmers on modern
trends. Engineer-in-chief will be the vice-chairman of the Governing council of
the institute.

1993 : World Bank comes forward to help irrigation branch with aid for rehabilitating all
the irrigation structures and to complete some on-going schemes to tide over
financial problems of government and suggests separation of the water
resources wing from the Buildings. Again this proposal was opposed by the
Associations.
1994 : The Government sets up a high power committee under the chairmanship of
Dr. M.Anandakrishnan and 15 other members to suggest reorganization
proposals and it recommended gradual separation. The W.RC.P report copy is
enclosed.
1995 : Government issued G.O.Ms.No.530, dated 3.7.1995 ordering separate
organization called Water Resources and 4 zones at major basins and number
of sub-basins.
1995 : The Association of Engineers vehemently opposed the separation proposal.
nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

19

1995 : Government appoints Engineer-in-chief in G.O.No.1185, dated 23.11.1994 with

starting pay of Rs.5100 and Er. K.O.Palanisamy assumes charge as the first
Engineer-in-Chief.
2002 : Government appoints another committee under Er. C.A.Srinivasan and 3 other
members for separation of the PWD into 2 separete departments.
Er. A.Mohanakrishnan was also a member of the committee. The committee did
not recommend separation and Er. Mohanakrishnan gave a dissent note.
2002 : Technical secretariat for water Basin Management and development Board
formed in 2001.
2003 : Expert committee formed to review Engineering Reforms Committee
recommendations to modernize based on latest technological advancement
consisting of 1) Ramasamy R.Iyer 2) Dr. V.C.Kulandasamy, 3) S.T.Deokale and
4) Engineer-in-Chief of WRO

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20

ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS COMMISSION 1968

Government of Tamil Nadu
A Report on the PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION
Volume I : SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
1. To the extent possible engineers should be allowed to specialise in either Irrigation
or Buildings, so that eventually the department may be bifurcated into two
independent departments to be able to keep pace with modern developments.
(paras. 2.7. and 2.8.).
2. Methods should be devised by which a few of the engineers will work for short
spells in the PW Secretariat as Under secretary/Deputy Secretary / Joint Secretary
and a few of the IAS Officers will work for short spells in the PWD under the
control of the Chief Engineer in certain non-technical areas-to promote mutual
undersatanding between the policy-making and programme executing wings of
the Government. (para.3.5.)
3. The Public Works Secretariat while processing major projects involving large
outlays should engage the services of independent consultants for technical
scrutiny of the scheme. (para. 3.7.)
4. The Board of Engineers should be authorized to facilitate and regulate the
horizontal movement of engineers from one department to another to relieve undue
stagnation (para. 4.3.)
5. Deputations to outside agencies, interdepartmental movement of work-charged
establishment and tools and plants may also be arranged by the Board of Chief
Engineers. (para. 4.5. and 4.6.)
6. A smaller Board consisting of the Chief Engineers of the Government Departments
only, may be delegated with the power to settle all tenders above a value of Rs.25
lakhs, so long as the tender excess is within 5% (para. 4.7. and 4.8).
7. A three-year tenure may be given to every officer appointed as a Superintending
Engineer/Chief Engineer irrespective of his normal age of retirement. (Para. 5.9.).
8. To avoid stagnation of graduate engineers and to ensure that they could assume
higher responsibilities at appropriate ages, the intake of the graduates at the level of
the section officers should be restricted so that all of them will normally get
promoted to the level of Executive Engineer before the age of 32. Rest of the
vacancies at the level of section officers will be filled in, by Licentiates who could
normally hope to move up only to the level of the Assistant Engineers before
retirement. A job evaluation of the section-charge may be done by independent
experts to assess whether most sections could be manned by licentiates with

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21

marginal improvements to the curriculum of the LCE Course, if necessary (para

5.11.1. and 5.11.2).
9. If the recommendation in para 5.11 was found unacceptable on the basis of the
studies mentioned in para 511.2., then direct recruitment at the level of the AEs
should be revived. Four to five persons may be recruited every year based on both
written competitive examinations and viva voce and aptitude tests and designated
as Assistant Executive Engineers and given a scale of pay slightly better than that
of Assistant Engineers. The promotion procedures may be so devised that all of
them in the normal course, could hope to become EEs in the 6th year of their
service. (paras. 5.12.1., 5.12.2. and 5.12.3.).
10. Stagnation may be relieved to some extent by facilitating horizontal movement of
Engineers among the various engineering departments and organizations upto the
level of AEs (para. 5.14.).
11. Stagnation may also be relieved by a judicious use of the opportunities to depute
engineers to outside agencies. (para. 5-15. and 5-16).
12. The creation of Common Cadre of engineers for all engineering departments and
organizations is not recommended as it will be unmanageably large and will not be
conducive to specialization. (para 5-17).
13. Direct recruitment at Assistant Engineers level to the different departments of
engineering, may be by a common competitive examination. (para 5-18).
14. A training programme of three months duration should be organized for all newly
recruited section officers. (para 5-19).
15. A more detailed training programme of 8 to 12 months duration should be
organized for the directly recrutted AEs. (para-5-21).
16. Engineers of the department should undergo at least once in 5 years, Refresher
courses of 6 to 8 weeks duration to be organized by the department every year, to
update their technical knowledge. (para 5-22).
17. Every year, at least 25 to 30 engineers in the age group of 25/35 should be sent for
advanced courses of training in such fields as materials management, work - study,
industrial engineering, personnel administration, structural engineering building
science, pre-stressed concrete designs, computer applications, etc. All the
Executive Engineers should be trained in the use of PERT/CPM. (para. (5-23).

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CHAPTER 5 : NOTABLE PROJECTS IN ANDHRA PRADESH

Andhra Pradesh separated from Madras Presidency in 1956. Until then PWD was
executing all works in Andhra Pradesh. Some important works are only covered in
this history.
A. Tungabhadra Dam (713000 mcft; irrigate 3 lakhs acres (cost Rs.17 crores) was
mooted.
1929 to 1931 Investigations being continued.
1933 to 1934 Experts of Madras, Bombay, Mysore and Hyderabad conducted 2
meetings at Bangalore but could not reach any agreement.
1933 to 1935. Joint river gaugings were conducted and Government of India
approached to approve and constitute Interstate Arbitration committee to fix the
ratio of sharing the cost.
1938-1939 sharing of cost and waters discussed jointly in November 1938 and
provisional agreement reached based on available data on water flows.
1944-1945 Inauguration of scheme under consideration. Agreement reached
between Hyderabad and Madras. Cost will be Rs.10 Crores. Dam 8200 feet long
and 160 feet high. Headquarters will be at Hospet. Cost to be shared equally.
Capacity of reservoir will be 113500 Mcft and waterspread 138 square miles.
Project will be developed in 2 stages. 2.90 lakh acres will be benefited.
1950 1951 Excavation in progress for dam and canals.
1951-1952 excavation for dam completed and dam being raised.
1955 Project completed and commissioned Er. M.S.Thirumale Iyengar, was Chief
Engineer till 1952 followed by Er. N.Padmanabha Iyer, Er. L.Venkatakrishna Iyer
and Er. K.V.Ekambaram
B. Machkand Hydro Electric Project.
1944-1948 : Joint development with Orissa. Sanctioned for Rs.492 Lakhs.
1951 : Machkand H.E. Project was commissioned.

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C. Krishna Pennnar Project Investigation

1948 50 : 2 Special Divisions formed for investigation under Er. N.Padmanabha
Iyer as S.E., Er. Kuttiammu and Mr. Mahadeva Iyer, were executive engineers.
The headquarters was Chennai.
1951 : Detailed Project report prepared.
1953 : Scheme dropped on formation of separate state of Andhra Pradesh.
D. Ramapada Sagar across Godavari.
1949 50 : Investigation was carried out.
1950 : Foundation revealed no rock. Soil experts Karl Terzhagi and J.C.Savage
brought to the site for consultancy. Dr. K.L.Rao was the Superintending engineer,
design and all drawings prepared in detail.
1953 : Andhra Pradesh formed and the project was transferred.

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CHAPTER 6 : PROJECTS IN MALABAR OF KERALA STATE :

The Madras PWD was attending to the projects until 1953 when Malabar district
was transferred to Kerala. Some important projects are dealt here.
A. Malampuzha Reservoir Project
1949 : Malampuzha reservoir project sanctioned under first five year plan for postwar reconstruction. Er. J.E.Vaz was the executive engineer. Project across
Malampuzha was costing Rs.528 lakhs Ayacut of 47200 acres for 2 crops. New
Ayacut of 5800 acres and 12000 acres of 3rd crop. Dam 195 feet length 626 mcft
capacity and 88.5 feet height and water spread is 816 acres. L-B canal is14 miles
and R.B. Canal 8 miles long.
1953 : Partly completed and water let down for 10000 acres on 02.10.1953.
expected food was 70000 tonnes. Entire work was done through job workers limited
to Rs.25000 at a time.
1955-56 : Nearing completion. Water let down for 18000 acres. Project completed
on 09.10.1955.
B.Walayar Reservoir Project :
1947 : Project costing Rs.92.37 Lakhs taken up to irrigate 6500 acres. Capacity is
520 Mcft.
1954-55 : Masonry dam completed and canals in progress; work transferred to
Malampuzha division. Water let down for irrigation for 18500 acres.
1956 Project completed and final cost was Rs.99.92 lakhs.
C. Meenankara Reservoir Project :
1928-1929 : Meenankara Project investigated and abandoned as unproductive.
1947 : Included in first five year plan under post war development.
1955-56 : Project sanctioned on 14.08.1956 for Rs.46.56 lakhs. Dam 3150 feet
long. 2850 feet earthern and 300 feet masonry. 2 canals on left bank and right bank
to irrigate 4100 acres. Anicut across Shireya river.
1956 1957 : completed and handed over to Kerala.

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D. Cochin Port :
1939 : Cochin Port. Wharves opened in Wellingdon island.
1944-48 : Cochin port development works at Rs.17878 lakhs.
E. Mangalam Reservoir Project :
1951 : Started on 3.4.1951. Reservoir of 250 Mcft capacity and pickup dam to
irrigate 3280 acres across Cherukunnapuzha.
1955 : Completed and commissioned.
D. Manjalar Reservoir Project (1951-56)
Project sanctioned under post war reconstruction project under first five year plan.
Dam was across Cherukkampuzha with a Capacity of 386 mcft to irrigate. 809.4
hectares in new and stabilise 1315.85 hectares. The cost was Rs.44.80 lakhs.

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CHAPTER No.7 : CAUVERY METTUR PROJECT AND

METTUR HIGH LEVEL CANAL
The following are the calendar of activities completing the above project.
Er.Barbers report gives full details.
1854 : Captain Arthur Cotton gave a report but modified later by col. Ellis.
1800-1810 : Restoration of old tanks and introduction of minor irrigation work by
Dewan Poorniah in the Mysore Kingdom.
1850 : Formation of PWD in Madras Presidency and also in Mysore State.
1870 : Madras Government formally informed its concern on the developments in
Mysore State.
1890 : Representatives of 2 States negotiated at Ootacamund.
1892 : Madras Mysore agreement signed. It put on record schemes already
completed and those which were in progess in the Mysore state covering main
rivers and tributaries. Agreement reached that no more projects to be undertaken
and no attempt to restore the tanks. It was also agreed that if any dispute arose, it
should be resolved by arbitration commission of Government of India.
1906-1910. Both States proposed major projects like Kannambadi dam and
Cauvery Mettur projects. Madras Government emphatically argued that Mysore
project should not be cleared without first getting its Cauvery Mettur Project
cleared.
1915 : Dispute between the states referred to Arbitration Committee which turned
down Madras proposals and upheld the Mysore case. Madras approached the
Secretary of State, London.
1919 : Secretary of State upheld Madras case.
1920 -1924 : Negotiations were resumed and agreement reached. Disputes raised
on sizes of reservoiors and were resolved by Sir C.P.Ramasamy Iyer who was a
member of the Viceroys executive council and full support was extended by Lord
Wellington who was Governor of Madras.
18.02.1924 Agreement was signed between the 2 states.
1911 to 1931 Though foundation stone was laid in 1911, dam was realised only in
1931.
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 1910 1924 : Seven sites were investigated for Mettur dam, they were Urachi,
Nerunjipet, Navapet and 4 places at Samballi. Some proposals were for earthern
dam. There were many alternatives submitted by a few engineers including Er.Moss
and Er.Ellis. The proposal of Er.Ellis was accepted for Rs.912 Lakhs.
20.07.1925 : Dam construction was inaugurated by Governnor Viscount Goschen.
1925 : Er.Mackay was in charge of dam and Er.Narasimha Iyengar was in charge of
canals under the Superintending Engineer Er.Stoney. The surplus discharge was
proposed at 2.5 Lakh cusecs based on the observation of 2.07 lakhs recorded in
1806 at this site. In 1924 heavier flood of 4.50 lakh cusecs was encountered at the
dam site and therefore Ellis Saddle was designed for 5 lakh cusecs and hence it
could pass higher floods encountered in 1961 and 1981 without any danger.
1925-26 : Camp office was established at Mettur. There were 5000 labourers.
Engineers deputed to England in April for getting overhead ropeway. Roads were
laid and best site upstream of Dam chosen. 3 new divisions were formed for the
dam and 2 for canals were formed.
1928 29 : All building materials were being collected and power supply procured
from Mysore state and 2 electric travelling cranes procured.
1929 sudden floods submerged the foundation and cleared. Instead of stones
proposed to be implanted in surki mortar, Portland cement was used at the instance
of Er.Mullings and this accelerated the works. Original plan was to do concreting in
lifts by steel shutters for which 2 high steel towers (340 ft high and 1800 tonnes)
painted black and red erected at either ends. Hand pouring was found faster and
hence cable was used as a crane for lowering. Pillars and cables were erected in
1929-30 and this invited lot of interest from everyone. Stone masonry was adopted
instead of poured concrete. Power was got from Mysore. Construction joints were
introduced at every 128 feet intervals. In an ingenious way reinforced concrete
pillars 30 ft x 30 ft were laid cast-in-situ across joints to block the gaps.
Inspection galleries were formed in the body of dam for the first time. Ellis Saddle of
artistic beauty was built between 2 hill sides in a curve of radius of 800 feet just to
follow the rock outcrop and this helped in increasing the length of surplus escape.
16 spans of 60 feet each with arches. Saddle constructed only in lime-surki and not
in cement. Floor concrete alone was laid with 20% replacement of concrete with
surki mortar. Sluice gates 60x20 feet were made at PWD, Madras Workshops who
had quoted lower than M/s.Glenfield & Kennady even though more massive and
erected in less than 2 years by middle of March 1934 and last stone was laid on
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14.07.34. 546200 cft of concrete used. 96400 tons of cement were used and rest
449900cft was in masonry. Cement rate for concrete was Rs.42.20 and masonry
Rs.35.75 for cft. The entire work had taken 5 years and 10 months. Engineer-inChief was in full command of the work and dam was commissioned on 21.8.34 from
on ornamental parlour by Sir George Stanley., then Governor of Madras. Modern
design with all cross masonry works at 72 duty. But ayacut did not develop beyond
256000 acres. Capacity was 93.5 Mcft and it was highest. Per capita water
availability was 0.03 mcft for Madras, 0.11 for Karnataka and 0.12 for Kerala.
1933-34 : completed on 14.7.34. Irrigation was released on 21.7.34, dam completed
99%, canals 7%, 7 siphons, 3 bridges, 8 canals except for 1 mile in last reach
(31/10 to 32/6).
1934-35 : All works completed Bridge at 32/6068 in progress Earthwork between
31/1 and 33/40900 and 34/08 and 34/60 was in progress.
1938-39 : Stepped apron was in progress at dam.
1952-53 : ayacut is 301000 acres Rs.4.8 crores. F.R.L. raised by 10 feet.
Under this scheme Grand Anicut Canal was excavated for a length of 101.08 km
and Vadavar extention canal in Mannargudi area was carried out to benefit 3.01
lakhs acres in erstwhile Thanjavur district.

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29

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

30

VIEW OF STANLEY RESERVOIR AT METTUR

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31

METTUR HIGH LEVEL CANAL :

Sanctioned under postwar-reconstruction scheme in 1949 under 1st Five year plan
to benefit Bhavani Taluk of Coimbatore district and opened for irrigation on
25.07.1957. Ayacut will be 48000 acres in lieu of shortfall in ayacut under
G.A.Canal for which 3.01 lakh acres was approved. Only one crop was permitted. It
irrigates 17000 acres in Coimbatore and 28000 acres in Salem. Canal runs at the
foot of the hills for 4 miles and 2 furlongs. It bifurcates into one on the right margin
and the other on the left margin of Cauvery by means of a pressure aquaduct to
irrigate. This canal is 39 miles long and irrigates 2800 aces in Tiruchengode,
Omalur and Namakkal taluks of Salem district.
1949 : Scheme sanctioned and taken up.
1949 55 : Work was in progress.
1955-56 : West bank canal completed and released water in August 54. East bank
canal was in progress.
1956-57 : Water released for 16000 acres.
September 2 1954 : Cauvery pressure aquaduct, Box culvert and steel pipes done
departmentally at a cost of Rs.24 lakhs.
1958-59 : Major part completed. Water released on 18.7.59 for 43214 acres instead
of 45000 fully completed by 1.8.62.

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CHAPTER No.8 : GRAND-ANICUT CANAL

The canal starts from Grand Anicut on the right side. The Head sluice contains 4
vents. It has 9 regulators and many drops. There are 16 branch channels on the left
side. The largest are Rajamadam and Kalyana Oodai. As designed and executed
under C.M.P. the canal was dug upto 35/8100 or 109.23km. There were 583
existing irrigation tanks. The flow in the canal was designed for irrigation at a duty of
72 acres. All the sluices were fitted with shutters which could be controlled. There
were 14 jungle streams crossing the canal and 20 anicuts were built across them
to supplement the tail end command of the main canals. This being a contour canal,
all irrigation took place only on the eastern side of the canal.
1929-35 : 2 additional sub divisions attached to Thanjavur circle to speed up G.A.
Canal was commissioned and opened for irrigation.
1935-1960 : Canal was drawing lot of silt due to the take-off direction being 90o to
the river. Many model studies were conducted at IRS Poondy to exclude the silt
and on their recommendation 2 groynes were built one on the east of the main head
and another on the west preventing the direct entry of upland drainage. In the
initial 5 kilometers it was going south of Vennar river at a higher level ranging from 3
metres to 1 metre. The vents were designed to draw 3400 cusecs or more. But the
western most vent was almost not helpful as its opening was more often allowing
back-flow into the Grand-Anicut.
1939 : Heavy rains in Tambaraparani and breaches in New main channel extending
G.A. Canal from Merpanaikadu by 13.20 kilometer and finally feeding Mumbalai
tank executed to feed an additional ayacut of 30380 acres. Breach in Vettikkadu
embankment due to heavy rains.
1944-48 : Investigation taken up for G.A. canal extension by Narasinga Cauvery.
1949 : Breach in Vettikkadu embankment.
1953-54 : Olavayal channel executed under grow more food scheme from the right
side of canal to irrigate 7000 acres in Pudukottai district.
1960 : Vettikkadu reach lined on bed and sides Er.P.K.Vedanayagam was the
executive engineer.
1967 : Breach occurred in Chitrakudi embankment at 8/0 near Budalur and water
stopped for nearly one month and breach closed. Staff concerned reshuffled and
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33

changed mainly due to efforts of Mr. S.D.Somasundaram MP of Pattukottai who had

served earlier in PWD as Assistant Engineer.
1968 : Desilting of G.A.canal from o/o to 4/0 upto Sholingavari embankment carried
out during the closure season at an expenditure of Rs.4 lakhs.
1968 1969 : Rs.55 lakhs sanctioned for carrying out improvements to canal and to
carry 4000 cusecs. Canal lining on the sides carried out from o/o upto 4/0.
Intermediate berms created in Chitrakudi and Vettikadu embankments to withstand
percolation and erosion. Canal water drawn upto 4200 cusecs successfully. Both
the bunds strengthened and width increased to 3 metres even at aqueducts for
easy transport by lorries and Dozers.
1969 : Large scale repairs carried out to Olavayal channel and the damaged syphon
repaired.
1970 : Desilting of Mumbalai tank carried out and revetments done to banks to
prevent seepage and leakage. Quarters constructed for Executive Engineer and
Personal Assistant to Superintending Engineer at Thanjavur.

GRAND ANICUT

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CHAPTER No.9 : FLOOD AND FLOOD WORKS

1903 : Some portions of Palar Anicut were washed away and brought back to
standards in 1905. Founded on 2 rows of wells 3 ft diameter and 12.5 feet deep.
Body wall 7 feet high. (1951) : Falling shutters installed. 300 feet long breaching
section was built with brick work. R.C.C. cut off built on upstream side and on 3
steps on the downstream side. R.C.C piles were driven at the end of 2nd stage
apron. Catchment area is 3974 sq miles and maximum flood was 158477 cusecs.
1924 : Unprecedented floods at Mettur of 4.50 lakhs cusecs and Mettur dam
redesigned for 5.0 lakh cusecs.
1930-31 : Coleroon bank breached @ Koviladi in the Cyclone on 28.11.30.
Breaches in Kattalai, S.B.Canal, Ayyan Vaikkaal and all rivers in Cauvery delta.
1931-32 : Heavy rains in October 1931. All channels breached in Thirunelvely
district above and below Srivaikuntam Anicut North main channel.
1936-37 : Unprecedented rains on 02.11.36. All anicuts and channels breached in
Pollachi, Udumalpet and Dharapuram taluks. Sudden floods in Amaravati in
November 1936.
1913 : Pelandurai Anaicut across Vellar built in 19th century went into ruins.
Reconstructed in 1876 but affected by floods on 1877, 1880 and 1884. Crest
lowered in 1896 and fitted with 6 feet high shutters. Again damaged in 1913 floods
which went 23 feet above crest. It was converted into a regulator in 1916. It irrigates
12000 acres. Sethiathopu regulator in Chidambaram Taluk above Pelandurai
regulator was also damaged in 1847-50. Repaired in 1880 and crest raised by 3
feet shutters in 1904 to standards. Water brought into Vadavar and Raja Channel.
Affected by 1913 floods and repaired.
1937-38 : November very heavy rains and Ponnery Taluk badly affected. Chennai
city north completely flooded. Spills from Kosastalayar entering Coovum through
Buckingham canal.
1938-39 : G.A.Canal breached. Kannadian
Tambaraparani breached in Nov. 1938.

and

Nathunni

channels

in

1943 : Coovum suffered catastrophic floods which were described by Er.

A.R.Venkatachary in his report which suggested various remedial measures.
1946-47 : Heavy rains on 29.07.46. Heavy damages in Chengalpattu and Nellore
districts. New Divisions formed.

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 1948-49. Vettikadu embankment breached in G.A.Canal. G.A. extension channel at

R01/04 also breached and closed. Total cost Rs.53000. Perumal tank was repaired
and surplus arrangements completed at a cost of Rs.53.70. lakhs
1952-53 : Thirukkoilur anicut damaged and 2 feet falling shutters fixed.
1954-55 : Heavy rains in Thirunelveli, Thanjavur and Periyar ayacut areas. Number
of tanks breached and were closed Er. S.Ramachandran prepared report on
mitigation of floods in Cauvery Delta.
1955 56 : Heavy rains in November 2005 and January 2006 flood flows were
3781 cusecs in Vaigai river, 15645 in Tambraparani, 64969 in Manimuthar and
2768 in Saruganiar. Breach at Koviladi in Cauvery for a width of 1000 feet velocity
was very high. Loaded boats were sunk and floods did not abate. Took time to close
and restore normalcy. Cauvery barrage was suggested with 41 vents of 40 feet
each with lift shutters of 10 feet height. Permeable soil to have cut-off- no open
excavation. Ingenious method using Bentonite adopted and completed in 2 seasons
by Er. M.Balasubramaniam Executive Engineer. Cyclone on 30.2.55 affecting
Thirunelvely, Madurai and Ramnad districts. 4984 Tanks got breached in
Thiruvadanai, Ramnad, Mudukulathur, Sivagangai, Paramakkudi and Aruppukottai
taluks. Ring-bunds provided using divers brought from Mangalore at 3511 places by
20.12.55. Many weirs were outflanked and were restored by October 1956. One
special circle and 4 EEs and 24 AEEs sanctioned. Crops saved by drawing water
from Vaigai R.S.Mangalam (27 breaches), Kalari tank (7 breaches) Mudukulathur
tank (1 breach), Ramnad big tank (7 breaches) and Sakkaraikottai tank (7 places).
Breach closing cost Rs.250 lakhs.
1960 - 61 : unprecedented rains in July 1961. Coleroon breached at Koviladi
between
18/6 and 19/00 on 07-07-61. Major damages at Agarapettai above
Cauvery and Kudamurutty regulator. Major portions in Cauvery Delta submerged.
Rainfall was 335cm between 1-06-61 and 24-07-61, 100cm between 1 and
30-06-61; 127cms between 1-03-61 and 05-07-61. Balance 108cm between 6 and
7-07-61. Wireless sets promptly erected at critical places. At Upper Anicut, level
rose upto 3.9 feet in a few hours and breach at Kaviladi widenend to 1000 feet.
Special staff of (Superintending Engineer and 4 Executive Engineers were specially
posted. 3 times the capacity of Mettur reserervoir passed out. Army was
requisitioned. Mettur dam water level was maintained at 125 feet and calculated
risk taken to keep floods away from Cauvery delta. Remedial works were started
on 11-07-61 when maximum flow was 1.86 lakh cusecs on 28-07-61. Three
pontoons were sunk and breach closed on 30-07-61. It took 23 days and Rs. 20
Lakhs and all works completed only by 24-11-61. Peak flow encountered was 2.75
Lakh cusecs. Er.P.K.Vedanayagam was the SE incharge
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36

 December 1964 : Heavy rains in Ramnad District and Rameswaram island.

Dhanushkodi village got wiped out causing largescale damages to railway bridge at
Pamban and Railway jetty at Rameswaram.
Restoration took 4 months.
Mr.T.T.Krishnamachari the finance minister at Delhi and he got Sedthusamudram
project sanctioned to give work to people.
1967 : Floods in South Arcot
district and 4 new divisions formed at
Maduranthangam, Vandavasi, Tindivanam and Villupuram.
1972-73 : Heavy rains and floods in Trichy in December 1972. Breaches occurred
in Coleroon banks and were closed and strengthened at a cost of 9.50 lakhs.
1976-77 : Chennai city experienced very heavy rains as detailed below.
24 hour rainfall on 21-10-1846 520mm. 24 hour rainfall on 24-10-1857 460mm
24 hour rainfall on 25-11-1976 452mm.
An intensity of 50mm per hour was recorded in 1976. Out of 1200 slums
enumerated in 1975, 800 slums were subjected to flooding. Out of 5 lakhs of
people in slums, 3 lakh got displaced. Flood damages as assessed in the Nucleus
cell report are
Buildings

Roads

1976 2136.17 lakhs

550 lakhs

1977 1119.00 lakhs

810 lakhs

1978- 304.10 lakhs

NA

Er.P.Sivalingam, Chief Engineer, PWD was appointed as Chairman of a Committee

and members included Chief engineers of Highways, Housing Board (Er.
B.A.Jayabalan) were in the committee and they had recommended many schemes
for overcoming the floods for a cost of Rs. 1219 lakhs under first priority and
schemes for Rs. 982 lakhs under the second priority. MMDA engaged one J.H.Kop,
a drainage expert from World Bank to study and give his opinion. He came down in
1979 and gave a report endorsing Er.Sivalingams report.
At the instance of
MMDA, the Government formed a Nucleus cell in 1979 with one SE
(Er.K.Ramalingam) as chairman and superintending Engineer from I.H.H, Poondi.
Highways and Chennai Corporation as members for studying the schemes and
give list of priorities so that they can be implemented under the proposed MUDP.
The Nucleus cell report was given in 1981. In order to avail the funds from World
bank, MMDA appointed M/s. Mott Mcdonald International who studied the problem
and gave a report in 1994 in 5 volumes.
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37

 As a first relief measure, the Chennai Corporation advanced Rs. 35 lakhs to the
PWD and executed the Captain Cotton canal in Vyasarpady region of its last stretch
of infall into Buckingham canal. This was completed in 1980.
Next, MMDA entrusted the drainage canal from Kodungaiyur to Buckingham canal
for purpose of building quarters in the kodungaiyur tank- bed. This project was
executed along the north side of Moolakadai-Korukkupettai road and this was
completed by Nucleus cell in 1981 at a cost of Rs. 30 Lakhs. The Mambalam drain
was entrusted with PWD by Chennai Corporation and this was executed in 1983 by
PWD.
1977 : Heavy rains and cyclone affected Kodaganar dam which got damaged. The
reservoir was near Alagapuri village in Vedasandur taluk having an Irrigation extent
of 2080 hectares (New) and 144.09 ha (gap). It was completed in 1975 at a cost of
Rs. 212 Lakhs. It was rebuilt in 1982 at an expense of Rs. 920 Lakhs.
12-11-1977 : Heavy rains in Thanjavur and Thutthukudi districts. Kodaganar dam
got washed away. 3 lakhs cusecs reached Upper Anicut on 13-11-77 and sudden
realization at Cauvery barrage and 1.20 lakhs cusecs of water was diverted into
Cauvery. But Koarayar was also in floods and brought 40000 cusecs. Trichy town
was flooded. Cauvery not able to carry, floods entered into Colreoon and 5
breaches on left bank of Cauvery in the Srirangam island portion. 3 breaches were
near Amma mandapam and 2 near Kilikoodu. These breaches were similar to
those in 1924. Breach closing could be started only on 20-11-77. Ring bunds were
erected despite the fear of crocodiles.
Skilled workers brought from Koviladi,
Uthamanur, Sakkarahollan and Trichinampoondy and casuarina piles employed.
Special Chief Engineer for floods was Er.S.Manavalan and supply to delta could be
restored only in December 77.
Depression in bay which crossed Nagapattinam on 12-11-1977. Heavy damages to
crops, cloud burst on the eastern slopes of Western Ghats in Vedasandur taluk of
Madurai. Vedasandur range recorded 241.50mm on 13-11-1977. Several tanks
breached in Varattar and Kodaganar which is a tributary of Amaravathi carried
floods several metres high sweeping off all habitations. 3 villages of Nallamana,
Kottar and Thirukkai swept away leaving no traces. Earthern dam at Kodaganar
overflowed discharging 45000 cusecs, later estimated at 2 lakh cusecs over large
expanse of cultivated land. Amaravathi breached. Peak discharge of 3.08 lakh
cusecs received on 13-11-1977.
Several channels like Ayyan, Peruvalai,
Pullambadi, Uyyakondan breached. Kudamurutty drain carried 1.63 lakh cusecs
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38

and breached Srirangam island at 3 places. Large parts of Trichy got flooded.
Grand Anicut received 1.44 lakh cusecs on 13-11-1977 discharging 114000 cusecs
into Cauvery and 15000 cusecs into Vennar. Above 1.80 Lakh cusecs diverted into
Coleroon at Upper Anicut and 1.14 lakh cusecs at Grand anicut. 1.5 lakh cusecs in
Kudamurutty and lot of damages through Kilikkoodu breach. Coleroon flow
exceeded 4.50 lakh cusecs as it approached Lower Anicut. Earlier it was only 4
lakh cusecs in 1858. Left bank of Coleroon above Lower Anicut spreading over 3
lakhs cusecs in the area north of Coleroon. Lower Anicut passed down 1.5 Lakh
cusecs. 2400 tanks breached (392 tanks in Pudukottai, 174 in Thanjavur). In
Cauvery delta rivers breached at 703 places, channels at 383 places. Government
urged to launch heavy restoration programme.
1983 : High intensity of rainfall on 22-12-83. Depression formed 100km east of
south-east of Pamban and brought torrential rains. Madukkur raingauge recorded
422mm on 23-12-83. Mettur was closed on 22-12-83 anticipating rains due to
depression and all shutters of Cauvery Barrage at Upper Anicut brought floods
directly, into Coleroon 53000 cusecs reached Grand anicut. Flood waves from
upland of Pudukkottai breached several irrigation tanks and channels enroute.
Grand Anicut canal breached heavily at a few places and passed floods into Vennar
which is designed to take 110000 cusecs passed 30000 cusecs. 508 tanks
breached in Pudukkottai. 182 in Trichy, 469 in Thanjavur. Breaches in rivers and
channels were over 1415 places. Er.T.K.Viswanathan closed the breaches as
Special Chief Engineer.
1983 - 1984 : The floods in Coovum river damaged Aranvoyal Anicut taking
advantage of sand pits. Not rebuilt as no ayacut remained.
1988 - 89 : Vaigai floods restoration started in September 1984 and completed by
March 1989 at Rs. 600 Lakhs.
2000 - 2001 : Rs. 50 Lakhs was sanctioned for removing obstructions in
Kudamurutty, Ayyaru and Korayar which will be widened.
Uyyakondan was strengthened.

Embankment of

2001 02 : Tiruchi city flood prevention scheme sent in 1999 was sanctioned for
Rs. 50 crores.
2005 : Heavy rains in Karnataka on 23-10-05. Inflow into Cauvery measured to
206222 cusecs on 24-10-05 and came down to 48000 cusecs on 28-10-05. Peak
was on 24-10-05 when 241300 cusecs was received. Breach occurred on left bank
of Srirangam Nattuvaikkal at 5/2 and at Alankudi in Sirkali Taluk. Realisations are
nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

39

as below on 24-11-05 : Upper Anicut 2,98,724 Cusecs. Grand Anicut 98123

cusecs Lower Anicut 3,35,016 Cusecs.
2006 : Heavy rains in Cauvery delta on 23-10-05. Flow increased to 206222
cusecs at 8 am on 25-10-05 and over 2 lakhs cusecs till 2 am on 25-10-05. From
25-10-05 (3 AM) it was less than 2.0 lakh cusecs and 48000 cusecs on 28-10-05.
Peak flow was on 24-10-05. Breach occurred on left bank of Srirangam
Nattuvaikkal at 5/2 and 2/6 in Alankudi in Sirkali taluk when flow exceeded 2.05
Lakhs cusecs on
27-10-05. Discharges at Upper Anicut, Grand Anicut and
Lower Anicut were 298724, 98123 and 335016 Cusecs respectively.
2007-08 : Schemes for Coovum, Adayar and Kosasthalayar, Otteri Nalla,
Virugambakkam and Arumbakkam are formulated under JN NURM.
Scheme for diversion of Korayar, Kudamurutty, Uyyakondan, Agniyar are
formulated with aid from NABARD.

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40

CHAPTER NO. 10 : BUCKINGHAM CANAL

Buchingham navigational canal (no bed slope) was excavated in 1880s to give relief to
famine affected people. The canal connected all lagoons from Kakinada upto
Vedaranyam parallel to the sea-cost (AP 907 KM, Tamilnadu 180 KM and Pondy 2KM)
north and south of Madras. Boats were towed manually on the bank where paths were
laid on banks. The canal was 10 m wide and 1 metre deep and steam launches plied
from 1936-37. The main cargoes were firewood, salt and rice. The following statement
gives revenue receipts for a few years in lakhs of rupees.
1924-25

Rs. 3.05 Lakhs

1934-35

4.59

1925-26

3.53

1935.36

4.83

1926-27

N.A.

1936-37

5.17

1927-28

0.26

1938-39

3.36

1928-29

4.25

1943-44

1.36

1929-30

4.23

1944-45

1.36

1930-31

4.15

1952-53

20.73 (9800 passengers)

1931-32

4.16

1955-56

80.31 (tonnes)

1932-33

4.19

1956-57

284.11 (tonnes)

1933-34

4.22

Wharves for unloading the cargo were constructed adjoining Wall Tax Road and
Trevelyan Basin Road.
A permanent division was in position until 1970. It was again revived in 1973-74 and the
first regularly appointed executive engineer was Er. K. Ramalingam.
1971-72 dredging works were completed under III five year plan. Roads laid in Hood
and Shell wharves. Wharf completed on Cooum and improvement works taken up from
6/0 to 10/1 of North Buckingham Canal.

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41

Buckingham Canal

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42

Buckingham Canal within Chennai City

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43

NORTH BUCHINGHAM CANAL

A high power technical committee was set up in G.O. no.2206 dated 11-08-58 and they
had recommended that canal should be excavated upto bed level of +4.27 for a width
of 10.06 m in the north and 6.10 metres in the south and that depth sould be not less
than 1.83 metres. A master plan was prepared for Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh
costing Rs.600 Lakhs. North B Canal (including AP) to cost Rs.350 lakhs and south B
Canal to cost Rs.256 lakhs for moving 3 lakhs tonne of cargoes. Under this scheme,
the north canal areas taken up from Ennore to Central station. The Bed width was
increased to 15 metre, depth lowered by 1.20 feet and sides lined with precast concrete
block (75 mm thick) at a slope of 1 1/2:1 over 100mm of gravel backing. Provision was
also made for a toe-path. The following were some salient levels.
Bed level

+ 4.25(H.S.L is .+6.09)

BERM

+ 7.25

HW OST

6.71

LW OST

5.29

This project was completed between years 1973 and 1975. During this period the canal
was kept closed to traffic. The Cargo of firewood which was being brought from Andhra
Pradesh were detained at a temporary wharf at Ennore. From there, fire wood was
being moved by private parties by lorries and taken to markets in Chennai. This interim
plan put the canal out of operation and canal became unnecessary even though it was
improved. The boat-owners also expressed a fear that concrete lining on the canalsides would damage the boats (wooden) and that stopped the entire traffic in the canal.
1975

A scheme was contemplated to bring 150 cusecs of coolant water from

Ennore Thermal Station through North Buchingham Canal so that the reach
of cooum river between central station and the sea-mouth could be flushed..
A model study was made at I.R.S Poondy and recommendations given for
a) creating a wide entry basin in the Buckingham Canal at the entry point of
coolant water and
b) raising the top level of the lock-gate at Ennore by 1.5 metre and raising
the canal banks suitably. The entry basin was constructed in 1975 along
with canal-lining work. By that time thermal station had problems of
giving coolant water which had to be diverted to fluidise the fly-ash for
ultimate disposal into the sea.

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44

1976-77

Rs.46 lakhs sanctioned for construction of a wharf at Chintadripet and for

dredging the North Buchingham Canal Expenditure upto 1976-77 was
Rs.46.94 lakhs

1977-78

Under the grant from Government of India the North Buchingham Canal
was dredged at an expenditure of Rs.19.90 lakhs

1995-1999 Railways had built the Thirumayilai station under MRTP project and had
obstructed the water way and caused flooding in 1996 floods in Mylapore.
Railways were asked to widen canal at a cost of Rs.190 lakhs. Silt was
cleared for 4 km at R.K. Mutt at a cost of Rs.132 lakhs. Otteri Nallah was
desilted and provided flood banks on Adyar in Kotturpuram at a cost of
Rs.85 lakhs. An amount of Rs.68 lakhs received as loan assistance from
Government of India.
2000-2002 Cleaning of waterways was sanctioned and Rs. 51.47 crores and spent in
Buckingham canal Adyar and Cooum. Dredging Buckingham Canal
completed.
1999-2007 Millennium scheme granted for Rs.300 crores and implementation was
started from 1999. Rs.30.81 crores spent in Buckingham Canal. Balance
amounts spent in Adyar, Virugambakkam, Otteri-Nallah and other drains.
2007-2008 Master Improvement plan for Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu submitted to
Government of India for sanction (total 1095 km)

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45

CHAPTER NO.11 : IHH POONDI

Institute of Hydraulic and Hydro by Research is a new name. Actually it was called
Hydraulic Research Station and it was started on the Right bank of Poondy
(Satyamurthy) Reservoir in 1943. The Director was in the grade of executive engineer.
1946-47

Model studies were conducted and seepage studies undertaken.

1944-52

Energy dissipation arrangements designed for Lower Bhavani Project and

other projects.

1947-48

New building for strength of materials constructed at chepauk.

1950-51

S.M & R laboratory transferred to Chepauk building. Got equipments and

model studies conducted for lower Bhavani Tungabadra and Malampuzha.

1951-52

Model studies of Krishna Pennar and Malampuzha conducted Ferguson

compressor machine added at S.M & R and also self-regulating balance
Designs for K.P.P and other projects were studied on models.

1953-54

Andhra separation Er. T.P.Kuttiammu took over as E.E. Conducted model

studies for spillways and Stilling basin for Bhavani and large dams.

1954-55

Activities started on left flank of Poondy. New instruments purchased and

New Irrigation Era published both for Madras and AP state.

1955-56

Model studies conducted on P.A.P and established model for Royapuram

sea-shore studies.

1956-57

Set up wave-tiding devices and conducted study for Coovum improvements

and photo elastic studies of gates.

1961-62

Received funds from centre conducted studies on surki and puzzolana.

Tests conducted on building materials for PWD and river valley projects of
other states and continued research on fundamental studies.

1963-64

Central funds received and studies sponsored by National Building code.

Tests conducted on engineering properties of building materials, sub-soil
flow, puzzolana cement, etc. High-head jacks purchased. Tests on hydraulic
gates, evaporation losses, sedimentation in L.B.P., loss of head in trashracks, corrosion properties of soils, artificial rain-making and mortars with
Eranavur sand.

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46

1969-74

Model studies for state and other state projects and of CPWC, CBI, CSIR,
NBO and institute of standards. Er. P.Kumarasamy was the first Director

1970-71

Anti sea erosion studies. Bed samples collected from various rivers in the
state and collection of rainfall data for all states.

1979

Shore erosion at Mahabalipuram-Model studies carried out at CWPRS on a

model bed on a scale of 1/360 and 1/120 and recommendation issued.

1982

soil cement blocks of various mixes and their strengths

Aug 1982 conducted as per G.O. 522 dt 21-03-80 model studies on remedial
measures to the Royapuram sea-erosion problem (18/82)
May 1983 Based on discussion held at CWPRS report prepared on the efficiency of
off-shore discontinuous breakwater at (-) 1.5m depth or at (-) 2.0 m depth
for Royapuram erosion problem (5/1983)
Feb 1984 Final report on design of off-shore breakwater for Royapuram sea erosion
for designing of a suitable section (2/84)
Feb 1986 Model Studies ordered by State 173302 dt 21-12-84 and R05368-4/84
dated 18/01/84 to get relief from pronounced sea-erosion North of Madras
Harbour (1/86) and (11/86)
August 1989 Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries have sanctioned in MS
No.261/dated 27/02/88 for model studies for permanent remedial measures
against sea erosion in North Madras. The post of Director was downgraded
to superintending engineer.
1992

Data Collection There is one division attached to IHH with Headquarters at

Chennai for collection of wave heights at 22 sites along the coast in 4 zones
(Pulicat lake to Mahabalipuram, Mahabalipuram to Point calmere, Point
calmere to Rameshwaram and Rameswaram to Kanyakumari). They issue
periodical reports on behaviour of sea-coasts periodically. One was issued
in 7/80.

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47

CHAPTER NO.12 : COOVUM IMPROVEMENT WORKS

It is a surplus course, collecting surplus from cooum group of tanks in Thiruvallur Taluk.
It is 65 Km long flowing from west to east winding its way through Madras city and
meeting sea 3Km south of the Madras Harbour. Flow is not permanent but will be an
asset to the city if kept clean and free from smell. An anicut across Kosastalayar at
Kesavaram in N.A district diverts part of the flow into Cooum to be carried for about 30
km where an anicut had been constructed at Korattur where part of Cooum water is
diverted into Bangaru Channel which feeds Chembarambakkam tank. There is another
anicut at Aranvoyal which had got damaged by 1983 floods. The catchment area is
290 sq km studded with 140 tanks and a few minor Irrigation tank of Ambattur (4.871
mm3) and Korattur (2.872mm3) and Madavaram (0.982 mm3). This enters Chennai city
at Aminjikarai and runs for 18 km through the city. It collects storm water from 18 sq km.
It has 9 bridges and Napier bridge is the last. The River bifurcated above Napier bridge.
It was only 40 to 50 feet wide upto college road and 60 feet upto C-in-C bridge where it
widens to 120 feet. Below Wellington bridge it is 300 feet wide and 8 feet deep Below
Napier Bridge it is 500 feet wide. Worst flood discharge is 19000 cusecs though only
10000 cusecs is computed by IHH Poondy.
Waves attack coast at the river mouth at 300 angle. Sir Francy Spring found that a
littoral drift is taking place east of the mouth carrying 1 million tones of bed-silt along
Coromandel coast and that as it changes direction from south to north when the Northeast monsoon breaks. Madras Harbour was built in 1876 and southern breakwaters
built. This is causing accretion in the Cooum mouth. The sea-coast was 195 metres
below Napier Bridge in 1891 and 410 metres in 1974 and is still advancing eastwards.
Tidel range is 4.3 feet on spring tide and 1.1 feet at Neap tide.
The Chenani city was having population of 6 lakhs in 1910 and 28 lakhs in 1975 and
was being supplied 30 gpd of drinking water. The river also receives 51 storm water
drains which bring in also domestic sewage and also Otteri nallah, between Chetpet
and Napier bridges. 10 slums were located on river bank according to high-power
technical committee and 941 families according to I.R.S. report. To remove the bad
smell developed due to blockage of sea-mouth, many projects were evolved to induce
natural flushing of the river. The following are some of them
1890

Harbour canal scheme

1905

Mr. Huttons scheme

1921

Mr. Bristows scheme

1923

Mr. Kharghet. CE. CPWD

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48

1923

Mr. Madley, proposed a 2 metre diameter pipeline underground and taken

into sea costing Rs.6.5 Lakhs

1923

Diverson scheme into Adyar by closing river below Chetpet and reclaim 100
acres

1927

Mr Molesworth scheme for Rs.1.785 lakhs

1950-51

Model Studies were made in I.H.H. Poondy

1955

Field trials made using hume pipes laid across sand-bar

1957

Link Canal scheme was examined and given up

1958

High power
dt.11-8-1958

1958-67

Chief engineer of PWD and Madras Harbour proposed many schemes

1967

Govt sanctioned scheme in 1967 in GO Ms. No.1371 dated 4-7-67 for Rs.32
lakhs and inspected by chief minister on 19-6-67. The proposal was for
(a) tidal weir (b) dredging of river and disposal of dredged material and
(c) construction of Jetty at Cooum-mouth and erection of sand-pump. The
weir was modified as a regulator and the sand-pump was ordered instead
of 2 excavators ordered for Buckingham Canal. Revised cost to Rs.70 lakhs
but final cost was Rs.74.30 lakhs.

1969

II Stage was sanctioned in G.O.1673,dt. 29.09.69 for Rs.62 Lakhs for

clearing and beautifying river margin between Chetpet and Napier Bridge
and this ended with Rs.138.72 Lakhs.

1970

Fireproof huts were built for 941 families for Rs.9.6 lakhs. A boat with 3.75
HP motor was purchased for inspection at Rs.8000. 4 single boat Jetties
and 4 double-boat Jetties were constructed at Rs.3.1 lakhs. Improvement
works taken up in 70-71.

1970-71

Silt accumulation in the river was cleared under a separate estimate of

Rs.5.12 lakhs. Dhoby Khana was built at Rs.14000. Model studies at I.H.H.
Poondy was sanctioned at Rs 30000 (revised to Rs.70000) Channel width
increased from 70 feet to 100 feet. Regulator instead of weir and 2 vents of
35 feet width were provided and cut-off provided with sheet-piles. Cooum
river sloped at 11/2:1 and lined with 3 thick concrete slopes over gravel
backing. Sewage infalls closed at 119 places. Sand-pumps were erected (5
more ordered for cuddalore and 2 more for Ennore). Global tenders were
called for dredging 7 feet deep and of 275 H.P IHV Beanner of Holland
Kirloskar gave tenders along with a vacuum pump for priming. Swimming

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Technical

committee

49

by

government

order

No.2206

pool was constructed at a cost of Rs.12.15 lakhs and Boat club at a cost of
Rs.4.62 lakhs and Parks built opposite to War Mamorial at a cost of 3.5
lakhs.
71-72

Wharf completed in Coovum

76-77

Sand pump procured and installed

1986

Flood discharge of 538 cusecs observed at Napier bridge, Tidal flushing felt
upto 4300 upstream. 2266 cusecs diverted into Chembarabakkam at
Korattur anicut.

1983

The Aranvoyal anicut across Cooum washed away by floods and sandmining. Not rebuilt as ayacut lands have been converted into other uses

2006-2007 Cooum dredged at a cost of Rs 300 crores. The reach between Periyar
bridge to sea (Rs.2.20 crores) and Periyar Bridge to Koyambedu (Rs.17.47
crores) to be taken up.
2007-08

Cleaning of city waterways at outlay of 1700 crores was taken up.

Metrowater appointed as Nodal agency. But no progress made.

2009-10

Chennai city waterways at Rs.300 crores. B canal and cooum from Periyar
bridge upto R.K. Mutt to be taken up. Periyar Bridge to sea-mouth
completed.

2002-03

Groyne with R,M. Stones erected at South of Coovum 170 metre long at
Rs.78 lakhs and raised by 1.5 m on advice of NIOT

2003-05

Cooum mouth groyne to be raised by 1.5 metres

2010

Cooum river in Chennai region has been taken up for beautification and
improvement on the model of Saint Antonio River in Singapore and special
cell opened with one administrative. Officer and agreement signed with
Singapore Agency.

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50

CHAPTER NO. 13 MULLAIPERIYAR DAM AND PERIYAR VAIGAI IRRIGATION

This is the first inter-basin transfer of waters in the world. Average annual rainfall is
2000 mm yielding heavy run-off. Dam 49 m high, capacity 443 mcm. Leading channel
1646 metres long followed by 1920 m long tunnel of 374 sq feet cross section. Dead
storage was 300 mcm. The water goes into Suruliyar on Gudalur side costing Rs.65
lakhs 58 km long river in Gudalur and Cumbum and distributes water to 52610 hectares
completed in 1925. The course of events is traced below.
28-10-86

Periyar Agreement signed and Rs.40000 to be paid to Travancore annually

as royalty.

1862-1867 Investigation carried out and completed and detailed estimate given for 162
feet length earthern dam for Rs.17.45 lakhs. Mr. Coulomb who propounded
his theory on earth pressure seems to have given the design for an earthern
dam. But it was not accepted.
1882-83

Er. Pennycuik was placed in exclusive charge of investigating and he

evolved a scheme for masonry dam 155 feet high to be built in lime-mortar.

29.10.1886
Agreement signed with Maharaja of Travancore. The Dewan was one
Vembakkam Ramiyar and agreement concluded on orders of Maharajah
and of John Child Homophone, the resident of the state and the Governor
of Madras Presidency on behalf of the Secretary of State of India. The lease
period was fixed for 999 years and could be renewed for further periods if so
desired. Lease amount was fixed at Rs.40000 per annum.
1925-26

Surplus escape protection works made in state to meet adverse weather.

1930-31

Periyar pre development data being collected and investigation made Rain
Gauges fixed.

1944-48

Vaigai Reservoir Project detailed investigation.

1947-48

Investigation in progress pending settlement with TN E.B.

1951-52

The leading channel of Periyar lake deepened by 1.2 metres in 2 seasons.

1951-53

Investigation of Periyar Hydro Electric Scheme

1955-59

Periyar H.E.S with 4 machines of 35 MW each completed and

commissioned

1955-59

Vaigai Reservoir project taken up under First Five Year Plan as post-warrelief works for Rs.330 lakhs. New area for irrigation to be 20000 acres.
Dam Cost borne by TNEB and PWD

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51

29-10-1970 Price to be paid to Kerala for power development and rate fixed at Rs.30
paisa per kw.
B. VAIGAI RESERVOIR
The purpose is to store the tail race water of Periyar. H.E.S especially during nonirrigation season of February to June Capacity of the dam is 193 mcft. The cost was
Rs.330 lakhs located 13 kilometres below Suruliyar infall. During water regulation for
irrigation due consideration is given for old catchment of Vaigai river and 17 MCM is
earmarked for drinking water needs of Madurai city. The dam has catchment area of
225.3 sq.km and water spread of 24.19 sq km. Length of masonry dam is 231.66
metres. Earthen Dam is 3243 metre long.
1954

Preliminary works started in April 1954.

1955

Cross-masomy works in progress

21-1-59

Completed water released for 3431 acres in Madurai. Sivaganga and

Thirupattur taluks on 29-8-59

1960-61

Reservoir full and water level kept 1 foot below FRL

C. Periyar Vaigai Improvement (Modernisation) scheme.

Periyar-Vaigai basin holds no scope for improvement except through reduction in
losses. World Bank have offered credit of Rs.23 Million Dollar. There is seepage loss in
river during flow upto Peranai regulator. Seepage loss assessed at 200 Mm3 and 75
Mm3 as operational losses. 190 Mm3 anticipated to be recovered by (a) lining upto 10
hectare limit (b) lining canal 32 km long from Vaigai dam to Peranai. (c) rehabilitate
existing sluices. (d) additional outlets to provide supplies. (e) improve the tanks (f)
extend canal system to new areas (g) improve command area and (h) reorganize and
strengthen operational staff. Vaigai system has 115 channels and 414 tanks and caters
to 5047 acres. Periyar main Canal Irrigates 168800 acres, Peranai regulator started in
1954 and completed in 1959.
Virahanur regulator having 18 vents of 12.2 x 1.98 metre size. Right bank canal is 46
km carrying 19.00 cusecs to irrigate 27217 acres.
Parthibanur regulator having vents of size 12.2 x 1.87 metres. Left Bank Canal is 45 km
and carrying 50.4 cusecs to irrigate 31872 acres. Right Bank Canal 43km long and
irrigates 30598 acres.
Total cost was Rs.823 lakhs and irrigation to benefit 105882 acres to produce 55940
tonnes of food.
1970-71

Improvement works taken up

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52

1981-82

Flood diversion from Vaigai to Gundar and Girdwmal basin 2 link canals one
above Virahanur regulator and another above Parthibanur regulator linking
Vaigai to Gundar and Girdumal carrying 1000 cusecs and supplying to 55
tanks having an ayacut of 10424 acres under Girdumal Link Canal to
Paralayar carrying 1500 cusecs to fill 64 tanks having 10424 acres under
Gundar. Revised estimate is Rs.148.5 lakhs.

1991

Link canal below Vaigai dam connecting pick-up anicut and Periyar dam
canal near Peranai Regulator taken up for Rs.25 crores and this was
cleared by World Bank in October 1993 and balance works under link canal
completed in oct 1993. Distribution network taken under W.R.C.P Tail-end
works to extend irrigation to Thirupattur Tank and 13 others, 40 tanks in
Sivaganga Taluk to irrigate additional ayant of 218.3 ha cost Rs.8.84 crores
in progress.

1996-97

Stage I taken up in July 1977 completed in August 1984 at Rs.46.40 crores

with W.B. aid Additional ayacut of 10305 hectares in Madurai and
Sivagangai districts. Stage II from October 1983 to benefit 8539 hectares at
Rs.148 crores (latest assessment) and conserved Rs.136.14 crores till
November 1995. Link Canal at Peranai regulator taken upon at a cost of
Rs.25 crores in 1991 and completed. All works closed by October 1993.

1998-99

Tail-end improvement works to Thirupattur tank and 13 other tanks in

Thirupattur taluk completed in 1997-98 to benefit 218 hectares. Expenditure
in 1999-2000 was Rs.408.15 crores (220.71 under WRCP) and in 2001-02
Rs.544.65 crores (219.82 under WRCP).

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53

CHAPTER NO. 14 INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

The major inter-state rivers are Araniyar, Kosasthalayar, Palar, Cauvery Ponniar and
Periyar and Parambikulam Aliyar. The various stages are indicated for each river-basin.
A. Mullaiperiyar Dispute on restoring F.R.L.
Central Water Commission suggested R.C.C coping and widening of dam-top, to
provide 3 additional spillway vents, cable anchoring, concrete backing on rear face,
strengthening of leading drain and parapet wall and energy dissipating arrangements.
All costing Rs.13 crores.
1979

F.R.L lowered to 136ft

1976-77

Strengthening scheme sent for approval for Rs.49.56 Lakhs

1982-83

Strengthening works costing Rs.720.5 Lakhs taken up and to be completed

by 84-85.

1990

3 Additional vents to surplus escape approved in June 1983 for Rs.320

lakhs and started in 84-85 and to be completed by 86-87. Kerala objects to
conveyance of materials for pitching of apron and work stopped.

1981

capping on top of dam completed for Rs.131 lakhs.

1998-99

All strengthening works completed except dissipation works for additional

vents of spillway which are in progress Tamilnadu wrote to Kerala for
discussion.

1999-2000 Meeting held in 1998 at Trivandrum and constituted Technical committee to

discuss technical issues and submit reports. Tamilnadu ready but Kerala
not ready and not conveyed date for discussion.
2000-01

Kerala does not permit energy dissipation works and raising parapet walls
was started in 1987 and these have to be done later. Meetings held on 2811-96 and 13-08-98 to constitute Technical committee. Reports placed on
28-01-2000 at Trivandrum. Many meetings held between chief ministers but
no agreement reached.

2001-02

As per direction of supreme court, meeting convened on 28-04-2000. Water

resources committee of eminent engineers constituted for raising F.R.L. on
a phased manner in June 2000. Final report of March 2001 sent to states
for their views.

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54

2005-2006 Meeting held on 06-11-04 and minister level meeting on 27-11-04 at

Trivandrum.
27.02.2006 Supreme Court issued final orders.
(i) The agreement for 999 years is legally valid
(ii) The environment is not at all affected.
(iii) The dam is strong and safe and hence water can be stored upto 142
feet (from 136 ft).
(iv) After strengthening the Babydam, water can be stored upto 152 feet.
(v) The Kerala Govt should assist GOTN in strengthening the Baby Dam.
15.03.2006 To nullify the Supreme Court order, Govt. of Kerala on 15.03.2006 enacted
an Act Kerala Irrigation and Water Protection Act, stating Kerala Govt alone
has authority to fix the water levels in all 22 dams including Mullai Periyar
Dam, restricting the maximum water level at 136 feet.
11/2006 to Discussion at Govts level under the guidance of central Govt but failed as
March 2007 the Kerala did not agree.

21.02.2008 Kerala proposed construction of new dam and reiterated.

11.01.2007 GOTN preferred petitions in the supreme court to quark the Kerala Act
3/2006 and permit GOTN to raise water upto 142.
2006-2007 Affidavit filed on 31-03-06 to declare the Kerala irrigation and water
Consolidation
Committee Act of 2006 as unconstitutional and SC
addressed to advise restoration of 142 feet.
2007-08

Meeting held between CMs on 18-12-06 as directed by SC on 29-11-06 but

no solution .

2009-10

S.C ordered on 13-12-07 SC appoints Arul Singh Retired CJ of Rajasthan to

record evidence. Final hearing on 31-03-09 and adjourned to July 2009.

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55

B. Talks on Parambikulam Aliyar Project

1901-02 - Kerala State not interested in attending discussions
1903-04

Technical Committee Consultant and first meeting held on 11-02-02 at

Parambikukam

1909-10

Meetings between secretaries took place at Trivandrum on 08-04-09 and

another on 24 and 25-04-09 for holding further talks.

19.12.2010 Supreme Court once again appointed another committee under former
Chief Justice Dr.A.S.Anand to find out the present strength of Mullai Periyar
Dam and the samd is now investigated.
06.06.2011 Meanwhile, Kerala Govt. prepared DPR and planned to construct a new
dam below the Mullai Periyar, once again stating the old Dam is not safe.
However GOTN continued to contest the contention of Kerala Govt and
opposed the construction of new dam by Kerala.
08.04.2011 Geological investigation by Geological survey of India carried out soil
investigation by CSMRS was completed.
Dispute in Palar basin
2003-2004 River Basin Management Development Board (RB MDB) for Palar and
Tamiraparani met at secretariat in August 2002-2 meetings were held and
second meeting was held on 24-11-02.
2006-2007 Mysore not to proceed with check-dam as per 1892 agreement. Andhra
Pradesh assured that it will proceed with scheme only after consulting with
Tamilnadu.
2007-2008 Tamilnadu filed a suit in Supreme Court. But Andhra Pradesh proposed to
give details of scheme before 05-02-07 and not to proceed without
consulting Tamilnadu.
2009-2010 Andhra Pradesh furnished information and central water commission will
conduct studies to find water availability.

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56

CAUVERY WATER DISPUTE :

The 1924 agreement was signed subject to review after 50 years. Karnataka state
refused to honour the agreement from 1974. Therefore dispute had arisen. The Kerala
and Pondichery Governments also joined by putting up their claims. Organized groups
of farmers had also stepped in to make their demands. Under these circumstances
creation of new platform for negotiations became inevitable. This led to bilateral and
multilateral meetings. Between 1968 and 1990; 22 state multilateral-level meetings, 21
meetings under the Chairmanship of Union Minister of Irrigation, 5 bilateral session
between Tamilnadu and Karnataka took place. These meetings took place in 70s and
became scarce in 80s.
1991

Tamilnadu demanded constitution of a tribunal under Interstate waters.

Disputes Act 1956 and urged for tribunal enquiry which took place in 1975,
79 and 1986 25-06-1991. The tribunal gave an intern award that 205 TMC
shall be given by Karnataka and that Tamilnadu shall make 6 TMC available
to Pondicherry with effect from 01-07-1991 and also stipulated that
Karnataka should not extend their ayacut beyond 11.2 lakhs. This order was
also published in gazette by Government of India on 10-12-91. Pursuant to
this award, this quantity was realized on yearly basis between 1991 and
2001 (except 1995-96) but 182.73 TMC only was realized in 1995-96.
Karnataka had also applied for clarification and amendments.

1995-96

Supreme-Court suggested that C.M.s shall meet and come to an amicable

interim measure.

1998-99

As no amicable settlement could be reached, dispute has gone before the

Tribunal where cross-examination of 9 witnesses and 1 of union were
completed. Further cross-examination are being continued (as in 2009).

1999-2000 Cross-examination of 5 witnesses of Karnataka upto 08-05-97 4 more of

Tamilnadu to be heard Kerala to provide 3 witnesses. Final award only after
conclusion of cross examination.
2000 -2001

Final adjudication in progress and cross examination are being

continued.

2002-2003

Interim award of 25-06-91 only meetings held 3rd meeting proposed on

10-10-01 not provided for making good deficits. Arguments started on
29-01-02 and final award only after conclusion.

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

57

2003-2004

Meeting on 08-09-02 Cauvery Review Authority directed 9 TMC to be

made available on weekly basis (0.8 TMC per day) during September
and October. But Kuruvai has been lost in 8 lakhs out of 11 lakhs
hectares only could be planted. Mettur storage cannot last beyond
Jan 2003. The North East Monsoon had failed. Samba crops planted in 8
lakhs hectares could not be saved due to adamant attitude of Karnataka.

2004-2005

Final arguments on issues framed by CWC are at an advanced stage.

5th Feb 2007 Final award passed by the Tribunal however not yet notified in the
central Govt. gazette due to appeals pending in the Tribunal & Supreme
Court.
Water realisation at Mettur are furnished below:1991 1995
1996 - 2001

Excess more than 205 TMC

2005 - 2008
2008 2011 more or less 205 TMC was realised.
1995-1996

Less than 205 TMC was realised the shortfall ranging 2.2% to -139.84%.

2001-2005

(during 2003-04).

14th June 2011 GOTN requested for the Gazette notification of the Final award.

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

58

CHAPTER NO.15 PROJECTS AFTER INDEPENDENCE

Schemes constructed after independence over 100 minor and major for schemes were
constructed during the 5 decades after independence. They are discribed below.
Irrigation Management Institute have published photographs and particulars of some
schemes in 1987 in 2 volumes.
Schemes in Cauvery Basin
Sl.No

Name

Adavinayanar

1997-99 376.90 98.34 gap 9.0 ha

Reservoir capacity
3
4.80 Mm in Trichy
District

Parappalar

1971-74 90.64

Masonry Dam across

Parappalar near
Palani. Dam length
81m and height
39.62m

Nanganjiyar

Lower Bhavani

1948-58 1034.00 83772 ha

Under I five year plan

as a post war
reconstruction work
near Mettupalayam
across Bhavani CA is
4200sqkm. Capacity of
3
929Mm project
commenced in 192728 by British Engineers
completed on 19-08-58
Er. A.Srinivasan was
Executive Engineer.

Gunderipallam

1974-78 153.65

1001.21 ha

In Erode district near

Erode CA is 72.23
sqkm. Capacity is 306
Mm3.

Varattupallam

1974-78 192.00

1210.44

Near Bhavani in Erode

district CA 66.82sqkm.
3
Capacity is 43.94 Mm
dam is 1798 is long

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Period

19982003

Cost in Ayacut
Lakhs

New 405 ha
STABILISATION
535 ha

4107.00 2554 ha
stabilisation
23.86 ha

59

Remarks

Dindugal district
capacity 16.30Mm3

Sl.No

Name

Period

Cost in Ayacut
Lakhs

Remarks
and 15.50m high.

Amaravathi
Reservoir

1953-58 334.00

8700.93 ha

Near Udumalpet-CA is
839 sq.km. capacity is
114.61 Mm3. Earthen
dam is 770.23 m long
and 50.0m high.
Masonry dam is 3253
long

Ponnaniyar
Reservoir

1970-74 100.00

740.59 ha

Earthen dam is 195 m

long and 51.82 m high.
CA is 87.18sqkm and
3
capacity is 3.40 Mm .
M.Balasubramanian
was Executive
Engineer

Uppar Reservoir

1980-86 140.00

New 720 ha

Near Lalgudi. Masonry

dam is 720 m long and
8.87m high. CA is
44.40 sqkm and
3
capacity is 2.27 Mm

10

Siddamallee
Reservoir

1982-87 478.90

Stablise 342 ha
new 135 ha

Near Udayarpalayam
earthen dam is
5050cm and 15.15m
high. CA is 40.63 sqkm
and capacity is 6.422
mm3 canal 9.8k long

11

Neyyar

12

Kodumudiyar

1986-90 1560.00 320.2ha

Capacity is 3.58 Mm

13

Chinnavedampatti
Tank

1986-90 370

Capacity is 2.82 Mm3

14

Anicut across
Chinnar

1957-60 3.72

15

NKHLC

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80-85

58-61

1281.97 1576.90 ha

226.7ha

Capacity 6.58 Mm

3
3

Near Rajankudur Fort

179.29

60

New 1327 ha
Stabilization
3382 ha

Feeding 119 tanks in

Trichy and Thanjavur
districts. Project House
construced under this
scheme at Trichy

Sl.No

Name

Period

Cost in Ayacut
Lakhs

Remarks
opened on 17-07-01

16

Mad alamuthuvari

1999-03

17

Vattamalaikarai Odai
Reservoir

1974-78 193.00

2347.23 ha

Eathern Dam 1820 m

long and 20 m high.CA
is 396sqkm capacity is
751 Mm3

18

Jedarpalayam
Regulator

1953.54 15.45

5176.5 ha

Taken to Secure
irrigation in
komarapalayam and
Pugalur channels.

bed

19

Pullambadi

20

Maharajasamudram
Anicut

21

Kattalai Regulator

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New 200 ha

56.61

142

Stabilisation
587.45ha 8.953
ha new

nd

2 five year plan to

use flood water
opened on 12-6-61.
Left bank of cauvery
irrigation in Lalgudi and
Udayarpalayam taluks.
Canal 54 km long to
feed 8 new tanks and
19 existing tanks.
Opened on 10-9-55 by
Er. U.Ananda Rao, CE

2009

Beddam being
converted into
regulator for diverting
of flood waters to
south.

61

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62

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63

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64

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65

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66

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67

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68

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69

TIRUCHI

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70

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71

Schemes in Madurai- Ramanathapuram areas

Name

Sl
No.

Period

Ayacut

Cost in
Lakhs

Remarks

P.T. Rajan Channel

1978-81

19.37

To stablise
168ha Gap
21.7 Ha

13.5 km long to extend

Periyar
water
to
Venkatachalapuram in
Cumbum Taluk

Marudanadhi

1976-80

3120.00

Stablise 924
ha gap 29.6 ha
New 1498 ha

Near Ayyampalayam
capacity 174 mcft.

Pilavakkal
(Periyar
and Kovilar reservoir

1971-76

222.43

388.5 hectares
in
Virudhunagar
District
Stablisation
2990 ha
gap 75.66 ha

2 Reservoirs Across
Vaippar basin. Earthen
dam 17 metre high
and 864 m long. CA is
24.77 sq km. In April
1984, 16000 cusec of
flood
experienced
again
10000
c/s
designed.

Arjunanadhi
Reservoir

82-83

303.60

2632 acres
Stablisation
use 99 ha gap
352 acres

Near Golwarpatti of
Satthur taluk capacity
178 Mcft.

Shanmuganadhi
Reservoir

1976-81

695.00

Stablisation
777 ha gap
76.5 ha

Capacity is 63.85 Mm

Sothuparai

98

1810.00

299.19 ha

Capacity 2.8 Mm

Nayodai

1998

720

148 ha

Dindugal District

Sirumalai
Scheme

1996

887

128 ha`

Nilakottai Taluk

NA

741

NA

Ramnad Distict

irrigation

Narayana Cauvery
Raghavendra Cauvery
and Sankarattrunam

11

Girdumal

91

53.00

3458.57 ha

In Sivagangai district

12

Palar
Porandalar
Reservoir

1971-78

565.00

4079.32 ha

Near Palani earthen

dam is 2450m long
and 32 m high. CA is
259 sqkm and capacity
3
is 43.19 Mm

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72

Name

Sl
No.

Period

Cost in
Lakhs

Ayacut

Remarks

13

Varadamanadhi
Reservoir

1957-78

206.00

186.18 ha

Near Palani. Earthen

dam is 297 m long and
26m high capacity 0.9
3
Mm

14

Uppar Reservoir

1965.68

87.20

2452.45 ha

Near
Dharapuram.
Earthen dam is 2362m
long and 16.76 m high.
CA is 903.88 sqkm
3
capacity is 14.92 Mm

15

Vattamalaikarai odai

1974-78

193.00

2347.23 ha

Near Dharapuram. CA
is
396.00
sqkm.
Capacity
7.59mm3.
Earthen dam is 1820m
long and 20 m high.

16

Parappalar Reservoir

1971-74

90.00

404.69 ha

Masonry dam is 81.08

m high. CA is 72.88
sqkm and capacity is
3
5.6 Mm

17

Vaigai Reservoir

1954-59

330.00

9645.89

Earthen dam is 3243m

long and 33.8m high.
CA is 2253.3 sqkm
and
capacity
is
3
193.84 Mm

18

Manjalar

1963-67

106.48

809.39ha

Across Vaigai near

Periyakulam earthen
dam is 1004.6m long
and 28.33m high. CA
is 119.14 sqkm and
3
capacity is 13.48 Mm

19

Vembakottai
Reservoir

1980-85

467.00

3279 ha

Across Vaippar in
Virudhunagar dist. CA
is 26.91 sqkm and
3
capacity is 11.29 Mm .
Earthen dam is 3216m
long and 9.7m high.

20

Kullursandai
Reservoir

1980-84

254.00

1034ha

Approved in 1979
across Vaippar near
Aruppukottai. CA is
80.38
sqkm
and
capacity is 359 Mm3
earthen dam is 3207 m
long and 8m high.

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73

Name

Sl
No.

Period

Cost in
Lakhs

Ayacut

Remarks

21

Kuthiraiyar Reservoir

1982-90

877.22

Stabilisation
875.72 ha
New 1316 ha

Earthen
Dam
is
800.9m
long
and
27.38m high. CA is
71.40
sqkm
and
3
capacity is 7.17 Mm

22

Kodaganar Reservoir

1973-76

1890.00

3643.37 ha

CA is 1670sqkm and
3
capacity is 12.3 Mm
Earthen dam is 434m
long and 12.75 m high.
Near Alagapuri Village.
Damaged in 1977
cyclone and rebuilt in
1982-88 at Rs.920
lakhs .

23

Anaikuttam Reservoir

1982-89

275.00

1225.65ha

Near Virudunagar CA
is 40.83sqkm
and
3
capcity is 6.602 Mm .
Earthen dam is 2940
long and 9.50m high.

24

Golwarpatti
Reservoir

1982-92

981.00

25

Varattupallam
Reservoir

84-90

1646

3998ha

Capacity is 17.25 Mm

26

18 channel

2000-05

2860

22.81 ha

Uthamapalayam Taluk

27

Malattar anicut

1994

4200

1914 ha

Ramnad District

28

Ramakkal Odai

1998

565

107 ha

Dindigul District

th

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74

Earthen Dam near

Sathur is 5750m long
and 9.04m high. CA is
13.80
sqkm
and
3
capacity is 5.04 Mm
3

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75

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76

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77

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78

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79

Schemes in Salem and Kallakurchi

Name

Sl
No.

Period

Cost in
Lakhs

Ayacut

Remarks

Manimukthanadhi
Reservoir

1966-70

106.00

1618.78 ha

Across
Manimukthanadhi
in
Kallakurichi
taluk.
Earthen dam is 4454m
long and 20 m high.

Gomukhinadhi
Reservoir

1963-65

121.00

2023.47ha

Vellar
basin
in
Kallakurchi
taluk
capacity is 15.86 Mm3.
earthen dam is 2103 m
long and 24.8m high.

Kariakovil Anaicut

1982-92

1185.00

11457ha

Near Atthur. CA is
70.5sqkm and capacity
3
is 5.38 Mm . Earthen
dam is 748 m long and
32m high and cemol
10.10 km long.

Perumpallam
Reservoir

1983-90

541.00

1092 ha

Earthern dam near

Sathyamangalam CA
is
44.53
sqkm.
3
Capacity is 3.28 Mm
Earthen dam is 1888m
and 17.09m high.

Noyyal Reservoir

1984-92

1646.00

Supply
tanks

Anaimaduvu
Reservoir

1982-92

1175.00

2119ha

Earthen dam
near
Valappadi CA. 145.02
sqkm and capacity is
3
7.56 Mm . Dam is
670m long and 27.94m
high.

Nallathangal Odai

1998

4270

1920

Erode District

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80

to

Earthen dam 2290 m

long and 16.10m high.
CA is 2245.55 sqkm
and capacity is 17.44
3
Mm

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81

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82

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83

Schemes in Ponniar Basin

Sl
No.

Name

Period

Cost in
Lakhs

Ayacut

Remarks

Restoration of
Nandan channel

70-73

Ellis Choultry anicut

1952-53

2.54

352.23ha II
crop 947.4ha

Under grow more food

scheme
across
Ponnaiar 2000 feet
long 2 feet falling
shutters.
19
open
heads above anicut.

Pullampatti Reservoir

81-83

211.81

2154 acres
gap 96 acres
Stabilisation
326 acres

Reservoir 131 Mcft

capacity 2 canals on
left and right banks.

Eachampalli

81-84

394.00

2530 ha

Across Ponnaiyar in
Hosur Taluk 2 canals
left 23.15 km and Right
Canal 28.68km

Varattar Reservoir

1997

3595

1157

Harur
Taluk
near
Vallimedu village

Kesarigulehalla

81-88

399.00

Stablisation
85ha

Dharmapuri
District,
capacity 134.09 Mcft
earthen
dam
is
1671.7m long and
16.74 m high.

new 1620 ha

Nagavathi

80-87

359

New 807 ha of
double crop

Reservoir
capacity
3
4.6 Mm earthen dam
is 306m long and
15.8m length.

Vidur Reservoir

1958-59

89.00

890.33ha (ta)
404.69ha
(Pond)

Across
Varahanadhi
3
capacity 17-13 Mm
earthen dam 4380 m
long and 22.55 high.
Spillway 506ft long and
15 ft high galts. Canal
10.5km long.

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84

Sl
No.

Name

Period

Sathanur I & II

1954-58
60-63

10

Thumbalahvalli
Reservoir

11

Cost in
Lakhs

Ayacut

Remarks

318.00

LBC-9712.5ha
RBC 8498.4
ha

Across Ponnair in N.A.

district taken under I
five year plan. Work
done departmentally. It
is
a
post
war
reconstruction work
20 feet gates.

1979-83

212.24

883.85ha
40ha (gap)

Near Palacode across

Ponniar C.A. is 232.50
sq km and capacity
3
3.68 Mm .

Thoppaiar

1980-86

596

2157 ha

Dharmapuri
taluk
earthern dam 435 m
long and 19.76 m high.
CA
is
276.79km.
3
Capacity 8.46 Mm

12

Karuppanadhi

1997

4350

318

In
Thiruvannamalai
District.

13

Pambar

1977-83

323.71

1618.78ha

Across
Pambar
Earthern dam 652m
long and 16.50m high.
C A is 1736 sq km.
Conceived in 1877 by
collector
Mr.Lefareance, I.C.S

14

Vaniar

1979-85

1203.10

3460 ha

Harur taluk. CA is
101.76 sqkm. Capacity
3
is 11.8 Mm earthern
dam 1136 m long and
31.17 m height.

15

Chinnar Reservoir

1971-77

203.70

756.78ha

Near Krishnagiri C A is
620.85 sqkm. Capacity
is 14.15 mm3 earthen
dam is 365 m long and
29m height height.

16

Shoolagiri Chinnar

1981-85

187.00

352.6 ha

Earthern dam is 415m

long and 25.3 m high.
CA is 143.62 sqkm and
3
capacity is 2.30 Mm

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85

Sl
No.

Name

Period

Cost in
Lakhs

Ayacut

Remarks
canal 2.36 km

17

Kelavarapalli
Reservoir

1977-79
& 87-93

1250.00

6.10 148d
WS

Across Ponnair near

Hosur Masonry dam is
546.80 m long and
13.5 in high CA is 2442
sqkm and capacity is
13.22 mm3 delay due
to
land
acquision
problem.

18

Krishnagiri Reservoir

1955-58

202.00

3642.3 ha

Investigated in 1884
but dropped as it was
not viable. Earthern
dam 713 m and
Masonry 278m long
and 29.26 m high. CA
is
5428.4
sq.km,
3
capacity is 66.1 Mm

19

Mathalapallam

2001

1415

445 ha

Dharmapuri District

20

Vattamalakarai Tank

74.80

200.00

82.2 ha paddy
and 82 ha
cotton

Near
Muthukumarasamy
temple in Dharmapuri
taluk. Capacity
3
0.2 Mm

21

Markandanahdi
anicuts at
Beemandapalli and
Kallapalli

1947

60.48ha and
41.13 ha

Across Markandanadhi
joining Ponnair.

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86

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87

PAMBAR RESERVIOR

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88

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89

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90

Schemes in Tambaraparani and Kanyakumari areas

Sl
No.

Name

Period

Cost in
Lakhs

Ayacut

Remarks

Ghatana

1967-74

212.00

400 ha
stablisation
288 ha

Ayacut in
Ambasamudram Taluk
earthern dam 32.92 m
high and 1628 m long
3
capacity is 9.97 Mm
CA is 46.46 sqkm.

Ramanahi

66.74

181.00

New 202 ha
stablisation
1688ha

Ambasamudram taluk
CA
46.58
sqkm.
Masonry-cum-earthern
dam 840 metres and
31.09 m high. Capacity
152 mcft.

Kuppathu odai

NA

878

NA

Tirunelveli
district.
Tenkasi Taluk

Sadayaneri extension
channel

NA

1233

NA

Satthankulam
Taluk
channel
will
be
extended
upto
Puthanamthurai.

Manimuthar
Reservoir

1951-58

505.00

8093.9 ha

Earthern
dam
is
2553m long and 45.72
m high. CA is 161.61
sqkm and capacity is
3
156.07 Mm .

Karuppa Nadhi

1974-78

273.50

1163.49ha

Near Tenkasi Earthern

dam is 850 m long and
40 m high. CA is 29.34
sq km and capacity is
3
5.24 Mm .

Gundar Reservoir

1979.83

123.00

39.69 ha gap

Near
Tenkasi.
Earthern
dam
is
297.1m long and 14.66
m high. Masonry dam
is 929 m long CA is
9.92
sqkm
and
3
capacity is 0.71 Mm

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91

Sl
No.
8

Name
Perunchani Reservoir

Period
1948.52

Cost in
Lakhs
147.00

Ayacut
Supplement
to Kodayar

Pechiparai

1948-52

147

10

Chittar Pattanamkal
scheme

1963-70

190.00

Pattanamkal
6070.42ha
and
Radhapuram
6879.81 ha

11

Anandam
Channel
remodeling

1981.87

445

Stablise
1457ha
gap 931 ha

12

Gunderipallam

74

33.63

13

Papanasam

1944-48

258.00

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

Remarks
Near Nagerkoil CA is
159.46 sqkm. Capacity
is 81.84 mm3 Masonry
dam is 308.46m long
and 36.27m high.
Near Nagerkoil. CA is
159.46
sqkm
and
capacity is 81.84 mm3.
Masonry dam 308.46
m long and 36.27m
high.

92

Advanced Kar
from Tail Race

Reservoir Chittar I and

II across Paralayar
Dams 762 and 1076m
long and 21.94m high.
Capacity 17.28 and
3
28.55
Mm
inter
connect.
Paralayar
aqueduct
50
feet
above river and 1240
feet long.

H E Scheme across
Papanasam.

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93

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94

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95

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96

Schemes in Chennai Basin (Palar, Adyar, Cooum, Kosastalayar and Araniar

Basins)
Sl
No.

Name

Period

Cost in
Lakhs

Ayacut

Remarks

Andi appan odai

1995-97

2738

814 ha

Near Vaniyambadi

Shenbagathope
Reservoir

1997

3400

270ha

Polur Taluk of
Thiruvannamalai
Distirct.

Rajathope Reservoir

98-99

251

88.72ha

In North Arcot Distirct

Bathalapalli
Reservoir

2055

1125

Across Malattar near

Ambur

Maduranthakam RBC

1984

430.00

Araniar

1947-52

104.00

New 1024 ha
Stablisation
3644 ha

Five year plan near

Pisattur
village
Reservoir
in
AP.
Anaicut and Land is in
TN. Uthukottai Taluk
Canal 1072 km long
3
capacity 50.5 Mm

Mordana Reservoir

1995-98

1950

Stabilisation
2786.64
ha
and

Across
Malattar
a
tributary of Palar near
Gudiyatham

South Arcot District

New 285.4 ha
8

Cheyyar Anicut

Wellington Reservoir

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

6.80

Reconst
ruction
study by
Committee

At the head of
Uthiramerur supply
channel in
Kancheepuram district.

2000

1198ha

97

Original
construction
1913-23 capacity 70.4
3
Mm .

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98

PARAMBIKULAM ALIYAR PROJECT (PAP)

A part of Coimbatore district lying on the leeward side of Western ghats in a dry arid
region with meager rainfall and has no natural resources sufficient for vast stretch of
parched soil. The Government had decided to divert some of the west flowing rivers
and use 30500 Mcft (9000 Mcft Nirar, 2500 Mcft from Sholayar and 2.5 TMC from
Anamalayar. In harnessing Anamalayar, a separate agreement had to be entered with
Kerala Government. The ryots of the project ayacut grow millets, groundnut and cotton
with rainwater. Therefore 240000 acres or 97000 hectares was designed for a dry and
prefer wet crops limited to 20%. The Govt. with the concurrence of Kerala Government
took up this project as a multipurpose and multivalley project. 7 rivers, five on the
Anamalais and 2 on the plain. Reservoirs will be formed and interconnected through
tunnels. The rivers lie at elevation ranging from +3760 feet and 1050 feet and help to
develop 180MW of power. The following are the hydraulic particulars of these 7
reservoirs.
S.
No

Name

C.A.

Capacity
Mm3

Length

cost

Remarks
Water
diverted to
Aliyar

Upper
Nirar

75.11

1.1

132.59

25.91

105.00

Lower
Nirar

37.20

7.76/4.93

174.96+14.02

50.02

1240

Diverted to
Sholayar by
tunnel of
2.20m
diametre and
8050 metres
long

Sholayar

121.72 152.70/143.07

899+345

105.16

1125

Highest
Earthern dam
in Tamilnadu
feeds power
house and tail
water goes to
Parambikulam

Parambikul 230.50 504.66/379.71 579.12+318.21

am

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99

73.15

347

Water let into

Thunakadavu
reservoir
through
2480m long

Name

S.
No

C.A.

Capacity
Mm3

Length

cost

Remarks
tunnel.

Aliyar

196.83

109.43

2289.05+911.
35

44.04

297

Thunakada 43.35
vu

15.77/9.00

313.94

25.91

57.13

Peruvaripal 15.80
lam

17.56/11.02

466.34

27.74

34.30

Thirumurthy 80.29

54.80/49.39

2627.44

34.14

238.80

Canal
benefitted
73313 ha

1958-61

Preliminary works started.

1962

Headworks in progress. Aliyar Dam commenced on 02-10-62.

1969-70

Sholayar High dam of 105.18m. Sholayar and Parambikulam dams

completed. Tunnel lining completed for 350 metres. Thekkady dam
discussed at Trivandrum in May 1969. Thrown up for irrigation for 103017
acres.

August 1968 Seepage studies at Aliyar Dam using radio-tracer isotopes by V K Iyer
from CW PRS.
1972-73

Ayacut is 26400 and power 185 MW cost of Rs6733 lakhs opened for
irrigation on 31-10-72.

1973-74

Works are in progress

1979-80

All works completed 2.5 lakhs hectares Extended to 4.0 lakhs hectares and
extended area not to be given 3 zone pattern which are eligible once in
18 months. Divided into 4 zones and water supplied to all in two year.

1997-98

Water allowed to all 4 zones No 1 cycle upto May 96. Survey cycle 1 zone
ayacut.

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100

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101

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102

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103

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104

CHAPTER NO - 16 : TANK IMPROVEMENT WORKS

District Wise List of Tanks in Tamil Nadu
S.
No.

District

Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat

<20 ha
>20 ha

PWD
PWD
PWD
Rainfed System Total

ExZamin

Total

Chengalpattu

1241

542

1783

1202

1207

756

3746

North Arcot

1482

602

2084

632

537

1169

482

3735

South Arcot

1213

553

1766

573

184

757

79

2602

Salem

449

100

549

188

Dharmapuri

1451

128

1579

98

101

Coimbatore &

Erode

42

22

64

57

59

123

Thanjavur

338

153

491

680

685

1176

Pudukottai

4609

725

5334

369

161

530

58

6394

173

85

258

214

472

3142

249

3391

288

483

771

331

4493

642

691

1333

1378

130

1508

7367

10208

806

159

965

289

397

686

445

2096

1062

12

1074

24

960

984

2058

16477

3936

20413

5276

3627

8903

9886

39202

10 Tiruchi
11 Madurai &
12 Dindugal
13 Sivagangai

188

737
154

1834

14 Ramanathapuram
15 Virudhunagar
16 Tirunelveli
Thuthukudi and
17 Kanyakumari
Total

Total ayacut under tanks is 9 million hectares which is 33% of irrigated extent in state
Total number of villages in state is 16477.
Calendar of activities pertaining to irrigation tanks :

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105

Due to outbreak of famines, large scale repair works were taken up and tanks brought
to standards as per details in Tank-memoirs. Tank-memoirs were also being
continuously investigated and updated.
1825-26

Improvement works sanctioned for Rs.3.05 lakhs for Veeranam Tank.

1828-29

Small tanks with less than 40 hectares were transferred to the control of
collector as they do not need technical skill.

1822

Tank Restoration scheme sanctioned and entrusted with regular divisions.

One new division created for Rs.3 crores.

1828-29

501 sqmetres investigated 494 sq.miles taken up. Total completed 8228
sq.miles and 4582 sq.miles in progress.

1830-31

Tank Restoration scheme 7811 sq metres investigated. Total 88411 sq

miles. 605 sq.miles in progress.

1831-32

Completed 84089 sq 261 sq.miles this year and balance 4583 sq.miles.

1833-34

102500 sq.miles investigated

and during the year 66 sq metres,
expenditure Rs.198.20 lakhs and during the year 0.96 lakhs

1834-35

TRS investigation 102500 sq.miles 16.34sq mile during the year.

1936-37

38 sq miles during the year and 88776 sq.miles totally.

1837-38

102500 sq miles investigated under TRS.

1937-38

Accelerated TRS scheme Rs.15.02 lakhs. Total Rs.47.07Lakhs

1838-39

888.87 sq.miles completed Total 8552 sq.miles Balance is 3366 sq.miles.

1851-52

Tank improvement schemes Rs.1 Crore sanctioned Rs85 lakhs to wells and
Rs.15 lakhs for chief Engineer. CE (I) has sanctioned 188 new schemes for
Rs.14.80 lakhs and spent Rs.13.03 lakhs TRS 476 sq miles irrigated and
so far 86115 square miles covered. Balance 13600 sq miles

1934-35

New divisions formed and 17 schemes sanctioned to relieve unemployment

1936-37

HL schemes spent Rs.19.95 lakhs and totally Rs.32.95 lakhs

1938-39

Accelerted improvement works at a total cost of Rs.49.61 lakhs and

completed over 163986 sq miles in TRS

1944-48

New Sub divisions formed and 8893 sq mile covered during the year and
10250 sq.miles totally invest aged and 85673 sq miles completed.

1947-48

TRS No new area 88966 sq.miles completed. Balance 3283 sq miles

1948-49

1740 sq miles completed during this year. Totally 102500 sq miles

investigaed .90706 sq miles completed. Balance 5023 sq miles.

1950-51

Sanctioned in May 2000, 7 EEs, 32 AEs and 141 Supervisors for T.I works.
1393 schemes sanctioned for Rs.10803580 13551 new works in addition to
incomplete works. 227 works completed and additional area created for

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106

7975 acres yielding 5334 tonnes of food. Total value of works Rs.782474
T.I works by regular divisions. 454 new schemes at a cost of Rs.3256062 in
addition to 99 schemes sanctioned in 1949.50 but not completed. 410
schemes executed during the year at Rs.1488350.
1954

225 schemes sanctioned at Rs.38.84 lakhs to irrigate 31636 acres

117 works completed at Rs.608613 Dom gate 4489 acres.

1962

529 schemes and 154 new works at Rs.688.08 lakhs. 95514 acres
benefited and 26278 acres stablised.

71-72

936 schemes sanctioned for Rs.3813600 for 85 tanks in PWD and

ex-Zamin tanks in Aranthangi and Pattukottai areas.

73-74

975 tanks completed and Rs.408.66 completed. Spent Rs.376.08 lakhs

74.75

775 tanks 696 completed and spent totally Rs.431.79 lakhs

79-80

55 works completed at Rs.129.59 lakhs. 29 works completed under

accelerated spending Rs.29 crores. 270 tanks completed under AMIP
scheme and spent Rs.28.77 lakhs and 640 ex-Zamin tanks completed
spending Rs.5.06 lakhs.

1984

201 schemes sanctioned for Rs.3813600 for 85 tanks in PWD and exZamin in Aranthangi and Pattukottai Taluks.

1979-80

Improvements to Vadavar channels at Rs.11 lakhs and Lalpet channel at

Rs.7.20 Lakhs under Veeranam tank irrigation.

1981

Ford Foundation funded a research project in Anna University and the

Padianallur tank 20 km north of Chennai was taken up. Rs.1 crores was
sanctioned by Ford Foundation and Rs.1 Lakhs by PWD. Tanks were
modernized and channels and field bothies provided and such experience
gained.

1984

EEC aided Modernization Phase 1-25 million Euros for works and T.N. Govt
to bear establishment charges and machineries. Agreement signed on 2501-84. Agriculture Engineering Department executed on farm development
works. Anna University monitored. Technical Review Committee appraised
and formed the project feasible and sanctioned the tank particularly EEC
visited the tank in February 1985 and February 87 and expressed
satisfaction. Under this scheme 150 tanks of average ayacut each of 150 ha
spread in 7 districts were executed.

1987-88

EEC aided Modernization phase 1. 150 tanks of ayacut between100 and

200 hectares totaling 20302 hectare costing Rs.463 lakhs were executed.

1987-88

Renovation of ex-zamin tanks at a cost of Rs.785 crores under progress.

9986 tanks with W.B. aid and system tanks having ayacut over 40 ha a few
already covered under EEC and Periyar Vaigai 3437 such tanks and 4956
rain fed tanks with ayacut of over 40 ha and totaling 473580 hectares

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107

proposed. By this project 1890 Mm3 of water is estimated to be saved and

help irrigate 60987 hectares.
1996-97

PWD tanks with ayacut between 100 and 200 ha and ex-zamin tanks
having ayacut of 4 to 50 hectares taken up at a cost of Rs.115 crores under
agreement ALA/86/11. 216 PWD and 80 ex-zamin tanks taken up till
1995-96. 192 rain fed and 80 ex-zamin completed Additional potential upto
95-96 is 4736 hectares and expenditure is 86.35 crores.

1996

Phase 2 approved by EEC on 23-09-96 to be completed by December

1999.
Phase 3 for 3000 Rainfed with ayacut bewteen40 and 100 hectares sent to
Government of India to cover all districts except Nilgiris and Chennai. Total
ayacut will be 15180 a hectares.

1996

Japanese aided (OECF) tank rehabilitation project for 2500 tanks at a cost
of Rs.270 crores sent to Government of India in September 1994. Team to
visit in August 1996.

96-97

State-Bank aided project for 1000 MI and ex-zamin tanks sent for approval.

97-98

Rs.17.2 crores allotted for quick completion of 9 major projects from Rs.115
crores of EEC assistance.

98-99

OECF assisted project for 2500 rain-fed tank at a cost of Rs.270 crores sent
in September 1994. Fact finding team came in January 1998. Final master
plan report received from Japan in March 1999 approved for preparing
estimates. State Bank-aided project for 8739 tanks and 9850 ex-zamin
launched in 1995-96 for standardization and handing over to Panchayats.
Allocation is Rs.1500 lakhs (PWD, 480 lakhs for ex-zamin and Rs.980 lakhs
for Panchayat tanks). Budget for 98-97 is Rs.885.13 lakhs.

1999-2000 OECF memorandum of understanding signed in August 1996 and Phase 2

in December 1996. Completed studies in February 1997. Presented reports
in February and July 1997 at a cost of Rs.890 crores for rehabilitating 2093
tanks in 5 districts. Proposals sent to G.O.I in September 1997 for OECD
aid.
1998-99

State-Bank aided Project Budget estimate is Rs.8.95 crores (Rs4.22 for exzamin and 4.63 for PWD tanks). 251 tanks of PWD at Rs.3.83 crores and
189 ex-Zamin tanks at Rs.2.83 crores taken up for standardization.
Expenditure upto July 1999 is Rs.2.0 crores for PWD and Rs.1.32 crores for
ex-zamin tanks.

2000-2001 Tank Modernization Phase 1 from July 84 to August 1999 carried out for
Rs.52.44 crores benefiting 28740 hectares. Under Phase 2, Budget
estimate for 1999-2000 is Rs.9.5 crores and expenditure upto 1998-99 is
119.93 crores Additional ayacut is 30 hectares.
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108

2001-2002 NABARD assisted modernization of 44 minor irrigation tanks benefiting

5054 hectares sanctioned for Rs.14.66 crores in June 2000 to be taken up
during 2001-2002.
RIDF works in progress in 45 schemes Japanese Bank of International
cooperation (JBIC) team visited in 1996 Rs.8093 crores for 2093 tanks sent
to G.O.I getting for JBIC assistance. Under SBI aided project, 8903 PWD
tanks and 9886 ex-Zam Tanks in progress at an estimated cost of Rs.9
crores.
2002-2003 NABARD modernization phase 1- RIDF 44 MI tanks to benefit 5054
hectares at a cost of Rs.14.66 crores Japanese aided project for 1298
tanks sent to G.O.I for benefiting 171000 ha awaiting sanction of Rs.957.73
crores
2003-04

NABARD - RIDF Budget allocation is Rs.11.64 crores

2007-08

RIDF IX sanction of Rs.48.43 crores for modernization 157 non-system. MI

tanks in 17 districts. NABARD 122 tanks completed. RIDF X Rs.68.20
crores for 250 non-system MI tanks in 23 districts covering an area of
26900 hectares. NABARD scheme to be completed by March 2007. RIDF
XI Rs.20.59 crores for 96 non-system MI tanks in 16 districts covering an
area of 7909 hectares to be completed by 2007.

2009-10

Food Production was 61 lakh tonnes in 2005-06, 84 lakhs in 2006-07 and

89.1 lakhs in 2007-08.
Cultivation extent was 54 lakh ha. Production was 78 lakh tonnes in
2009-10.

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109

CHAPTER NO - 17 : WRCP AND IAMWARM WORKS

WRCP (Water Resources Consolidation Project) implementation was sanctioned in GO
MS No.530 dated 03-07-95 and 4 zones were formed under water resources
organization. The G.O and details of headquarters and staff relocations are enclosed.
Year-wise progresses are indicated below
1995-96

Scheme cleared by World Bank in June to enhance agricultural production

to 0.7 Mha benefiting 4 million families expenses Rs.807.49 crores

1996-97

Rs.159.06 crores issued

1997-98

Accorded additional schemes for Rs.22 crores spent Rs.164.22 crores

1998-99

Rs.80 crores spent on 152 works Budget is Rs.185.84 crores

1999-2000 174 works costing Rs.344 crores taken up so far spent 807.49 crores
budget Rs.220.71crores
2001-2002 Budget is Rs.374.08
2002-2003 Project extended upto March 2003. Project can enhance agricultural
production by 6 lakh hectares rehabilitate 25 MI tanks, 2347 Panchayats
tanks.
2003-2004 Project extended upto March 2004
2004-2005 Project extended upto September 2004 and completed and declared by
World Bank to have been completed satisfactory. Total expenditure is
Rs.840.84 crores
2005-2006 WRCP II stage project costing Rs.2900 crores sent to Ministry of Water
Resources Government of India.
2006-07

Total Expenditure upto September 2004 was Rs.840.84 crores

2007-2008 1566 Waters users Association formed.

2007-2008 Tamil Nadu has embarked on the Rs.2,547-crore World Bank-aided
Irrigated Agriculture Modernization and Water bodies Restoration and
Management (IAMWARM) project and it is expected to be completed by
2010. Budget for 2007-08 is Rs.714.94 crores.
The project covers 6.17 lakh hectares spread over 63 sub-basins. There are in all 127
sub-basins in the state. In the first year, 2007-08, nine sub-basins covering 2.94 lakh
hectares at an investment of Rs.714.94 crore were taken up, according to the Public
Works Budget. In 2008-09, 16 more sub-basins spread over 80,000 hectares would be
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110

taken up with an outlay of Rs.585 crores. The balance 38 sub-basins would be taken up
in 2009-10.
The project aims to improve the service and delivery of irrigation systems and
productivity of irrigated agriculture with effective management of integrated water
resources in a sub-basin frame work as narrated in the Policy Note of Department
tabled in the Assembly.
The Project has four specific components and seven departments are involved in its
implementation. The five components are : Irrigation systems modernization in a subbasin frame work, agricultural intensification and diversification, institutional
modernization for irrigated agriculture, and water resource management.
Water resources organization, agriculture department, horticulture department, Tamil
Nadu Agriculture University, Agriculture marketing, Animal husbandry department and
Fisheries department are agencies responsible for its implementation.
TASK FORCE ON CAUVERY DELTA MODERNISATION
Tamil Nadu government has set up a task force, headed by well-known irrigation expert
Er. A.Mohanakrishnan, for modernising Cauvery delta irrigation system. The force is
expected to submit its report before July 2010. The government has also initiated a
performance evaluation studys of some of the major irrigation projects in the state to
increase water use efficiency to 60% from the present 40-45%. To begin with, the study
would be in Cauvery delta, Vaigai and Tambaraparani irrigation schemes.
That major irrigation systems in the Cauvery delta like Lower Coleroon needed
extensive improvements of infrastructure and modernisation of existing irrigation
structures for optimum utilization 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 keep ready modernization schemes to be launched once the final orders are
published.
2008-2009

Budget provision is Rs.672 crores.

The World Bank/FAOCP Project Preparation Mission dated January 29, 1993.

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111

TAMILNADU WATER RESOURCES CONSOLIDATION PROJECT (WRCP)

Draft Aide Memoire
B.

WRCP EMPHASIS AREAS AND ISSUES

I.

Water Resources Planning and Management

II.

Tamil Nadu has long recognized the importance of water planning. Over the last
decade in particular, also assisted by a UNDP Project, USAID, the World Banks
Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Sanitation Project (Credit 1454) and the National
Water Management Project (Credit 1770IN), Tamil Nadu has made strides in
developing technical expertise in hydrology and river basin modeling. Between
IWS and the Institute of Hydraulics and Institute of Hydraulics and Hydrology
Poondi (IHH) under PWD, TWAD, METROWATER, Anna Universitys Remote
Sensing Unit and other centres, a useful start on the technical front has been
made. IWS, for instance, is developing three basin models, TWAD has been
giving protective water supply to 100 municipalities / corporations, 23 townships
and most villages, METROWATER has augmented drinking water supplies to
Madras through a network of three reservoirs and wellfields and Remote Sensing
techniques with, inter alia, likely important application for estimating crop yields
and irrigated areas are being developed at Anna University. (The mission wishes
to express its thanks to the various agencies, including the above, who briefed the
Mission on their work programs, and provided valuable suggestions on future
direction)

1. The Mission advised that Tamil Nadu was one of Indias front-runner states in this
still very neglected area. Nevertheless, these initiatives were disparate, and lacked
an institutional apparatus to coordinate the efforts and translate them into an
actionable program resulting in achieved holistic water resource planning. Also,
notwithstanding the missions appreciation of the technical effort and achievement
being made in Tamil Nadu, even on the technical front a great deal remained to be
done for instance, 9 of Tamil Nadus 17 river basins remain to be assessed, and the
eight existing models need further refinement and operational use in decision
making.
2. Recognizing the importance of achieving holistic water resources planning in Tamil
Nadu, GOTN had nominated the Institute of Water Studies (IWS) as Nodal Agency
to coordinate water resources planning in the state (Order Ms No 1536 November
3, 1992, issued by Secretary PWD). However, the modalities of how IWS was to
operate, how full, fair and objective representation in state decision making of all
users of water was to be achieved, how larger considerations such as articulating a
State Water Policy, achieving a State Water Plan, and rapid build-up of basin
nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

112

planning, still remained in the combined view of GOTN and the Mission to be
clarified and detailed out.
3. In the Wind-up discussions, GOTN advised the Mission of the following intended
actions:
(i)

the status of IWS would be elevated. In its capacity as Nodal Agency for
coordinating water resources planning and allocation in the state, the post of
Director, IWS, would be elevated with immediate effect to the rank of Chief
Engineer, and would now report directly to the Secretary, PWD (instead of
through CE Groundwater).

(ii)

A higher level coordinating committee, with representation of all users, was

required to guide the functions of IWS as state water planner and coordinator. A
Water Resources Control and Review Board would be established under the
Chairmanship of the Minister PWD, with Secretary, PWD as alternate Chairman.
The Director, IWS would be Member Secretary. The Board would meet once
every two months, or more frequently as needed, and would have as members
all key interested parties (eg. TWAD, Metrowater, CE irrigation, CE Minor
Irrigation, Municipal Administration, Director Town Panchayats, Director Rural
Development, Chairman Electricity Board, Chairman PCB, Directors, Forest,
Agriculture, Horticulture, IMTI, and Anna University.

(iii)

A Tamil Nadu State Water Policy, consistent with the National Water Policy
(MOWRS,1987) would be prepared and issued. A first draft was provided to the
Mission for its comments and suggestions. The Mission agreed to provide such
comments, but recommended that, in addition to the Missions comments, a
specialist consultant input should be provided in view of importance of this
document. PWD agreed to this suggestion, and also advised that the draft
should be reviewed by the Water Resources Review and Control Board and
other senior state authorities to ensure that the document benefited from all
perspectives and a full consensus. The Mission agreed with this procedure and
commented that, providing the document was available in final draft by May
1993, quality and state level consensus should govern timing for this pivotal
document. PWD agreed with this suggestion, and advised it would provide a
second draft by April, 1, 1993, with the objective of finalizing the document in
June 1993. (*To PWD: mission response somewhat amplified here from our
verbal first reaction, the paper is welcome and of key importance, hence our
recommended more complete review process described above).

(iv)

It was agreed that IWS technical capabilities would be strengthened under the
WRCP. A five-year program to strengthen IWS and achieve the following would
be prepared with consultancy assistance during WRCP preparations:

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113

Multi-use river basin plans covering the whole state

A State Water-Plan including inter-basin transfers as feasible

Sound real-time water allocations on a multi-use basis

- An associated research and special studies program IWS would coordinate and
contract work by local universities and other water agencies
(v)

IWS would also coordinate state training efforts in water planning and hydrology
Finally, the Mission commented that the present structure of the public Works
Department (a vestige of the days when construction was the primary activity
and still comprising responsibility for Buildings and Architecture) was
inappropriate for the increasingly important role that it should play as a state
water planner and water development agency. The Department merited
restructuring towards a state Water Resources Department, shedding roles
connected with water and assuming greater responsibility in the water sector.
GOTN look note of this suggestion for its consideration during the forthcoming
months.

II. Irrigation Scheme Modernization and Upgraded Water Management

The largest short and Medium term source of increasing agricultural productivity from
irrigation would be
through implementing a major program to modernize and
rehabilitate existing irrigation schemes. PWD advised that existing irrigation
infrastructure was dilapidated due to accumulated neglect of maintenance over many
years. Water management suffered from this past neglect and was outdated. Typical
problems were unreliable and poor distribution of water in a command, with tail enders
frequently not getting water, and even head-enders getting unpredictable supply, not
necessarily corresponding to agricultural calendar needs. It was agreed that this would
be a major focus and expenditure item under the WRCP. The focus would be on water
management, supported by infrastructural modernization to attain this, and borrowing
from and adapting the National Water Management Project (NWMP) approach. The
adaptations to the present NWMP approach would be:
(i)

The decision to invest in any command would be driven by farmer interest and
commitment to participate in the
investment and to undertake subsequent
operations and maintenance, and scheme management. Schemes where farmer
interest and commitment were not present would not be modernized.

(ii)

A two-stage approach would be used in any command selected:

Stage I - Command diagnostic of current operations, agricultural needs, water

distribution, state of infrastructure and problems in association with farmers who would
need to form atleast an informal association for discussion, decision making and
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114

agreement on their contribution to the investment and subsequent O&M. On this basis,
preparation of a command Plan of Operation and an associated set of infrastructural
modernization/upgrading, up to a guideline upper limit in terms of average investment
per hectare, to achieve the Plan of Operations. Implementation and monitoring of the
resultant investment and water management improvement. (This stage is similar to
NWMP except for the much greater farmer involvement to be now incorporated).
Stage II - Successful commands through stage I would be candidates for a further level
of infrastructural modernization involving a higher level of investment and agricultural
productivity. Selection for this stage would depend on success of stage I, an active
Farmer Association, and formal agreement with the Farmer Association on its
responsibilities and Government responsibilities.
In both stages, especially Stage II, farmer responsibilities would be significant. Specifies
need to be worked out by PWD with assistance of consultants and the Operations and
Maintenance Study (Attachment B). A tentative approach was, however, agreed. What
is needed is an incentive-based linkage between farmer contributions to investment,
operations and maintenance, and the performance and availability of the service.
Revenues generated by farmers should go back into the command, to break the vicious
circle of lack of funds, poor operations and maintenance, and lack of farmer and
government commitment to upkeep and to assure and improve the service. Farmers
needed to feel at least identified with the service and its management and financing.
They needed to participate investment decision making, financing of the investment
(even if investment contributions are modest), management and maintenance of the
system, and financing of O&M. Ultimate sustainability would probably require financially
and managerially independent commands, managed by farmer associations and
employing their own professional cadre. Some commands might be ready to move a
long way towards this already. On others, farmer participation would need progressive
build-up, starting with agreed O&M responsibilities by farmers lower down the system,
and their participation in command management and maintenance decisions by PWD.
Scope for immediately greater financial contribution by farmers to O&M appears
attainable (para 21). In all phases of evolution of the above, government and farmer
responsibilities need to be clearly defined, and assistance provided to farmers to help
them organize themselves.
It was agreed with GOTN that modernization and water management improvement
program would be progressively and successively implemented and monitored over as
large an area as realistically achievable during the WRCP. The ongoing NWMP
currently covers 153,000 hectares under active work. The state surface irrigation
network comprises some 2.5 million hectares of commands. Major, medium and minor,
of which 1.5 million hectares under major schemes (over 10,000 hectares each) and
medium schemes (2000 to 10000 hectares each), and some 1 million hectares under
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115

minor irrigation. For present purposes, a total area coverage of one million hectares
could be assumed under WRCP for stage I, with a sub-set, say 50% through stage II
was well. (Feasible dimensions of the program will be worked out during preparation).
Financing implications were discussed with Secretaries Finance, State Planning
Commission, PWD and the Chief Secretary. At present, Tamil Nadus Eighth Plan had a
modest entry for this against NWMP (presently 64 crore rupees). As an illustration, if 1
million hectares were to come under sage I at NWMPs 1993 terms upper limit per
hectare of 4000 rupees (US$ 140 per hectare), a sum of 400 crore (US $ 140 million)
would be needed. It says, 0.5 million hectares also came under Stage II, at an assumed
average per hectare incremental investment of Rs.5000 per hectare, a further Rs.250
crore (US$ 88 million) would be needed. It was agreed that Plan allocations could be
adjusted to accommodate the program, and that this would be discussed with GOI. It
was also commonly appreciated by GOTN and the Mission that the feasible extent of
farmer contributions to the investment would be an important alleviating factor to the
Government funds required.
II.

Maintenance and Funding of O&M

Effective maintenance, technically well executed and fully funded to the required level
to ensure that irrigation/bulk water supply infrastructure does not deteriorate is
indispensable. Otherwise the huge investment in assets will deteriorate and irrigated
area decline (negative investment). Maintenance should be regarded as a prior charge
for irrigation sector expenditure, before financing modernization or expansion. Like
other states, Tamil Nadu has not lived up to this critical need, a fact well recognized by
GOTN. Part of the reason has been the serious financial crunch and the low water charge payments by farmers (averaging Rs.37/ha for paddy). Compounding this, PWD
execution and monitoring of maintenance could be improved, and in some commands,
infrastructure is so dilapidated that routine maintenance expenditure may be wasted
until proper upgrading has been achieved. Nevertheless, it is imperative that a solution
be found. GOTN advised the mission that this is well recognized and that full
maintenance should be an achieved objective under the WRCP.
In its Status Report for the WRCP, PWD had reviewed and commented on the
undesirable state of scheme maintenance in Tamil Nadu. The Ninth Finance
Commission had recommended average maintenance norm of Rs.180/ ha for
maintenance plus Rs.65 for regular establishment charges and Rs.36 for special repairs
(RS.281 in all). It has recommended a 5% annual increase to these norms to account
for inflation, though the actual increase for materials and labor in Tamil Nadu has been
51% (compared with 17% over the three years 1989/90 to 1992 base on the Finance
Commissions recommended annual increase). Correspondingly, such norms would
be Rs.210/ha (maintenance only) going by the Finance Commission, and Rs.272/ha
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116

accounting for actual inflation in Tamil Nadu. The CE Irrigation, PWD has commended
an average maintenance allocation of Rs.250/ha for 1993/94.
Actual maintenance allocations in Tamil Nadu were Rs.103/ha and Rs.58/ha
respectively for major and medium/minor irrigation in 1989/90. Financial allocations
have improved since the averaging Rs.134 and 79 respectively in 1991/92. Further, for
1992/93 the mission was advised that the maintenance (including staff allocation)
allocation was about Rs.120/ha. The Finance Secretary advised the mission that the
Finance Commission norms were being aimed for, though the fiscal crisis made this
difficult. He envisaged progression to this over the next two years. In the wind-up
meeting, Secretary PWD committed to a maintenance allocation of Rs.200/ha for
1993/94 and of Rs.250/ha for 1994/95. Secretary PWD also advised that it was GOTN
policy not to increase staff numbers. The Mission fully supports this policy. Finally,
Secretary PWD instructed the PWD staff to prepare for the projects Command
modernization and O&M components a massive training program to gear staff to the
technical and farmer outreach need of these thrust areas. Preparation of this program
would form part of the O&M Study. In parallel, there is a need to tighten field planning,
budgeting and monitoring of maintenance expenditures and actions, to ensure that the
extra funding is used well.
WATER CHARGES : In several meetings, the Mission commented that water charges
were extremely low relative to O&M funding needs. Water charges range by crop,
season and other factors, but appear to be generally less than Rs.40/ha, and rates
have not been changed since 1962 (Collection rate are reported to the mission to be
about 75 to 85%). The water charge however, are less than 20% of O&M financing
needs. GOTN advised that increasing water charges was seen as clearly desirable but
was politically sensitive. However, the Mission advise that water charges represent the
equivalent of less than 10 kg of paddy or less than 0.3% of typical irrigated paddy crop
yield. Alternatively, water charges as a cost item for the farms compare with
expenditures by irrigated farmers on fertilizer of Rs.2000 to 3000 or more per hectare,
or less than 2% of the farmers fertilizer expenditure. If farmers paid the full O&M cost it
would-still only amount to about 10% of the fertilizer expenditure and less than 2% of
his growth crop revenues. Social welfare and affordability constraints appear, thus to be
fully surmountable, perceived political feasibility being perhaps the key difficulty for
GOTN.
The mission recommends further reflection by GOTN on how to find revenues to
finance O&M, a matter that the mission will also reflect on. The mission advises that a
move on cost recovery now will immeasurably increase the Banks receptivity to Tamil
Nadus Proposal for a WRCP. In the interim, additional to the most important need
which is to increase the levels of water charges, the following preliminary suggestions
for consideration are offered, pending further illumination under the O&M Study.
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117

(i)

Discuss and consider the recommendations in the Report of the Committee on

Pricing of Water (Vaidyanathan Committee, September, 1992) (this is currently
under review by GOTN).

(ii)

Consider a way to simplify the present array of crop-based water charge rates
(under rotational water supply, for instance, where farmers receive the same
amount of water per hectare, a single per hectare rate in a command would
suffice.)

(iii)

Consider farmer organizations collecting water charges and earmarking O&M

receipts back to the command. This could at least be done for incremental
contributions by farmers for their O&M;

(iv)

Consider institutionalizing preparation and annual consideration by GOTN of a

short Cost Recovery and O&M Financing Status Report (providing the annual
opportunity for regular reconsideration. Whether the decision is to make no
change or to make adjustment, a mechanism would be available for GOTN
deliberation on a regular basis).

It was agreed that the Operations and Maintenance Study to be undertaken as part of
the project preparation exercise would be used to detail the program for O&M and
associated modernization/rehabilitation to be financed under the WRCP. This would
also include assessment of how farmers could contribute to and finance O&M.
IV.

Project Completions

Another major expenditure head proposed by PWD, and comprising the bulk of the
present Eighth Plan, would be for completing ongoing projects. The Eighth Plan
contains completion works on four major projects and five medium projects, minor
irrigation and various other entries. The Mission fully agrees in principle with the thrust
to complete projects (to get benefits from past investment on stream, and consistent
with GOI Eighth Plan emphasis and Bank Irrigation Sector Review), but commented
that (i) Prioritization within this list might be needed depending on funding availability,
(ii) a fresh look at the program was desirable to review the status of each projects the
economic viability of the proposed completion, and to ascertain whether further
feasibility work was required for remaining works; and (iii) water availability should be
part of this review. It was agreed that a report containing a project by project summary
of salient features would be prepared by PWD, and that the projects would be grouped
by basin, with commentary in collaboration with IWS on water availability (based on
present knowledge) and recommendations regarding any further assessment needed.
(Report Guidance note at Attachment C). The report would cover all line items in the
Eighth Plan (and any additional Proposals): major, medium and minor irrigation, flood
control and drainage. For flood control and drainage, a large program may be
envisaged.
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V.

Expenditure Prioritization

Central to the WRCP is an appropriate balance of expenditure (combined non-Plan and

Plan sources) for all of PWDs activities, and corresponding to the mutually agreed
priorities for PWDs program. It was agreed that the major financial outlays would be for
the Command Modernization Program (water management Program associated with
infrastructural improvement/rehabilitation), Maintenance and viable Project
Completions. To the extent that farmers can fund O&M (and contribute to part of
infrastructural improvement), the cost of the program would diminish. Funding of all
other needed activities (eg. training, consultancy, research, the water planning thrust,
etc) would also receive priority, but amounts would to smaller than the main expenditure
items above.
It was agreed that PWD would prepare a five year proposed Expenditure Program (Plan
and non-Plan) with starting date at October 1, 1993, covering PWDs entire activities
and investment in the irrigation/water sector and including the revised emphasis areas
above. The agreed five year program would comprise the WRCP, and Bank financing
would support this program. A any such program requires some modification over time
(in line with experience and program new water availability findings, unforeseen needs,
etc.) it was agreed that there would throughout the WRCP period an Annual
Bank/GOTN Review of the program reviewing expenditure and performance in the
previous year and firming up next years program. For any new specific proposals, a
sub-project report would be prepared for Bank review (as in the NWMP).
VI.

Institutional Adjustment and Strengthening

A complex set of institutions, often evolved over many decades, defines the irrigation
sector and the water sector as a whole. Inevitably, these institutional arrangements do
not keep pace with changing conditions facing the state or the country. In Tamil Nadu,
too, the PWD recognize that it must now gear itself to face the challenges of future
tasks related to water resources management. It is not easy to change from a phase of
infrastructure development to a period when integrated water resources management
and improvement of infrastructure become the principal task focus. In addition, water
resources departments worldwide need to internalization environmental concerns and
to promote the participation and management of systems by water users and local
organizations so that irrigated agriculture and other bulk water supply infrastructure
remains a sustainable enterprise.
In order to adjust itself to achieve these new objectives, and to better achieve existing
responsibilities, it was agreed that an Institutional Study will be undertaken by PWD as
part of project preparation (Attachment D). This would aim to arrive at a comprehensive
set of recommended adjustments in organizational structure of the department,
management and procedural improvements, staff incentives, specialization, training and
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119

career development, and other aspects to improve the departments performance. In

this connection, GOTN would consider reorienting PWD to become a Water Resources
Department, shedding roles and functions not connected with water, and assuming
greater responsibility in the water sector.
VII.

Strengthening Environmental Capability

PWDs capabilities to measure and monitor environmental impacts of water

development and utilization, to incorporate such considerations in planning, design and
water allocation, to undertake environmental assessments, to implement regulatory
actions promoting sustainable management of water resources, to recommend pricing
and legislative actions encouraging environmentally sustainable water use, and to
interact with other state agencies involved with water related environment matters,
would be strengthened under the WRCP. Groundwater levels, pollution, water logging
and stalinization are some of the issues needing attention. Attention to institutional
mandates, procedures and inter linkages, staff technical capabilities and necessary
equipment and supporting research, would be amongst the strengthening measures
likely to be required. These measures are likely to be substantially interlinked with the
activities of IWS and the Water Resources Control and Review Board. Interlinked with
the preparation work for the WRCPs water resources planning and management
component environmental assessment would be undertaken to prepare an action
program to achievement improved environmental capability.
R&R Overview
The mission was advised that resettlement and rehabilitation are not critical issues in
Tamil Nadu as all dams and major networks have been constructed. In remaining
completion improvement works, persons whose land is partly purchases for canal
widening/other channels, etc, are not disrupted from the local community, and are
compensated for lands acquired, and provided other benefits as needed. It was agreed
that existing land purchase and compensation practices would nevertheless be
reviewed for possible practical improvements as appropriate, with assistance of a short
consultant input.
In addition to the reports to be prepared by PWD with consultancy assistance cited
above (see Attachments, all reviewed and agreed with PWD), a draft WRCP Project
Preparation Report would be prepared for the whole project. This would encompass
the salient decisions from the other work items, and provide the central forum for putting
the whole program together. Items that might have been only partially covered in the
other reports (for instance, the complete training program, research, general project
administration, etc) would, inter alia, appear in this report. The preparation Report
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120

would define the project concept and objectives, describe the detailed features of the
project, cost out the components and describe management features for coordinating
coordinating and monitoring the WRCP (Refer Attachment F). The report would serve
as the anchor document in the Preparation exercise, and as such can be expected to
go through progressive iterations (with the aid of word processing facilities).
DETAILS FROM DISCUSSION DRAFT ON TAMIL NADU WRCP-WORLD BANK
MISSION AIDE MEMOIRE JUNE 1993.
*

To assist the Water Resources Department (WRD) or PWD to adjust its activities
and expenditures to the new challenges of efficient resources management.
Water users need to become more involved in Water Management and
Maintenance, and cost recovery improved. To achieve these objectives,
institutional adjustments and improvements are needed.

The WRCP would support a prioritised and agreed work and expenditure program
of WRD of PWD which comprises both plan and non-plan accounts. The WRCP
would comprise the entire expenditure program and staff efforts of WRD over the
five year period, April 1, 1994 to March 31 of 1999.

WRDs priorities have been agreed as follows:-

i)

Upgrade Water Resources Planning and Management to make best use of

available water resources and the medium and long term needs of the State.

ii)

Institutional adjustments and upgrading:PWD would be re-organised to create a Water Resources Department,
Specialised in Water Planning, Bulk Water Supply, Irrigation and Drainage
Development, Flood Control, Operation and Maintenance, Design, Construction,
Regulatory, Environment Management, Programming and Budgeting, Data
Collection. The associated Institutional adjustments would be accompanied by
Staff-reallocation, Training, Consultancies and improved staff incentives to
enable career growth with staff specialization and continuity.

iii)

Scheme Modernisation, Farmer Turnover:-

To rehabilate and modernise existing irrigation and drainage schemes generally in

disrepair.

Improving the common existing situation of poor water distribution to involve

farmers in the investment programme including turnover of responsibilities of
maintenance and management to farmer councils below distributory head.

iv)

Maintenance:Annual maintenance of all water resources.

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121

(v)

Project Completions (viable) and Draingage:On going Irrigation Schemes to be completed. Investment to improve Drainage to
be taken up.

Provisional Project Cost:WRDs proposed Expenditure over the Five Year Period are show below. (In
1993 base cost)

A.

INVESTMENTS :-

1)

Modernisation of existing Schemes

Rs. in Crores.

Distribution Net Works

a) Stage I major & medium (10 Nos 0-54 Mha)

220.10

b) Stage II major & medium (7 Nos 0.15 Mha)

150.00

c) Stage I major schemes (40 Nos:0.1.Mha)

41.30

d) Stage I Unidentified (0.19 Mha)

76.00

OFD WORKS
e) Stage I (0.8 Mha)

80.00

f) Stage II (0.4 Mha)

40.00

g) Radio communication System

20.00

h) Farmer Organisation Service (Equipment Materials)

11.20

Modernisation Sub Total.

638.60

2)

Project Completions and Drainage (10 major & medium schemes)

193.20

3)

Krishna Water Supply Project (completion cost)

45.00

4)

Maintenance Equipment (Investment)

50.00

5)

Institutional strengthening
a) Equipment and materials.

55.50

b) Training

15.00

c) Consultancies (local & Foreign)

19.00

d) Research and Studies

6.00

(A1 to A5)

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Sub Total

122

1022.30

6)

Other Projects :a) Dam Safety Project (Estimate)

125.50

b) EEC Tank Rehabilitation Project (Estimate)

100.00

Total Investment Expenditures including other projects

1247.80

B) RECURRENT COST :(Provisional Estimates under further PWD review)

a) Maintenance Field works (140Rs/ha for 1.3m ha. 5 years).

91.00

(Provisional NB this would decline annually as farmers take

Over distributaries maintenance)
2)

Establishment Costs

250.00

3)

Other WRD recurrent costs (fuel, electricity, misc)

35.00

Sub Total Recurrent Costs

376.00

Total A and B (Preliminary estimate based on above.)

Rs.1623.80

Possible Downwards Adjustment of Works :

(Say 20% of A1, through A3 20% of 8768) (Para.6)

Crores.
(-)

Total

175.3

Rs.1448.50 Crores

TOTAL BASE COSTS:

About Rs.1450 to 1600 Crores.
(Us $ 470 to 520 million equivalent)(20% Downwards adjustment in the investment
program has been made towards lapse in achievement of the detailed command level
preparation)
PROJECT FINANCING:
Existing for future externally funded or centrally sponsored in WRDs programme would
be excluded from Bank funding under the WRCP.
Bank will finance all items under investment except of OFD works. (below sluice level)
OFD works to be financed jointly by G.O.I. and Tamilnadu Farmers.
Prioritization, Annual Expenditure Review and Sub-Project Evaluations.
*

A key objective under the WRCP is to ensure that the global programme of
WRDs efforts

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123

and expenditure are appropriately prioritised across the spectrum of WRDs

activities corresponding the key needs of the State.
*

WRDs expenditures and over all program would be annually reviewed by Govt. of
Tamilnadu and World Bank.

Water Policy, Planning, Role of WRC and IWS and River Basin Planning.
*

Govt. of Tamilnadu will establish a Water Resources Council (WRC) with Institute
of Water Studies (IWS) to be the Nodal Agency for state water planning the
technical secretariat of the WRC.

WRD will reorganize at field level around 4 River Basin Managers (CE Rank) and
associated Units.

River Basin Advisory Panels will be established and it will be chaired by River
Basin Managers.

Institutional Arrangements and Strengthening

World Bank Mission welcomed the decision of Govt. of Tamilnadu to appoint an
Engineering Reforms Commission which will review Institutional improvement needs
for PWD.
PWD has agreed to bifurcate so as to create a specialised Water Resources
Department (WRD).
*

WRD will now be headed by an E.I.C. (Engineer-in-Chief proposed by Mission to

be at Addl. Secretary Rank).

A variety of procedural and management practices adjustments are necessary to

help a better and more expeditious management environment, staff continuity and
professional growth including promotions within specialities, and incentives for
good performance and less popular specialities.

These adjustments and focus areas of WRDs programme under WRCP will be
accompanied by

a)

Staff redeployment to reinforce staffing in emphasis areas.

b)

Reduce staffing in over staffed units.

c)

Vigorous staff Training Program by WRD and IMTI, IWS, IHH, Anna University,
I.I.T. and other State Institutes.

d)

Use of National and International Consultancies for updating expertise and

management practices.

e)

No additions to staff numbers.

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124

f)

Recruitment or Secondment to WRD of some specialist personnel (generally nonengineering) will be needed.

g)

Net-reduction of staff over time through retirement process. Engineering

recruitment minimised. No new recruitment of laskers or permanent Workcharge.
No or minimise recruitment of JEs/AEs.

Scheme Modernisation, Maintenance and User Participation

*

Modernisation/rehabilitation program will be implemented on a command by

command basis, utilizing experience gained under NWMP.

Farmer participation Farmer commitment to over O & M below the distributory

head (about 200 ha level) and to raise user fees themselves to cover O & M
needs.

O & M investment down to sluice level limit to an average of Rs.4000/ha (1993

terms)

Formation of Farmers Council at distributory (about 2000ha) levels as a

registered society. An agreement will be signed between each council and WRD
spelling out their respectively rights and responsibilities below distributory head.

On completion of stage-I, investment, reliable and equitable water distribution in

command will be established. Stage-II will enhance field water availability, equity
and reliability as were as more sustainable infrastructure. The average cost of
Stage.II would be Rs.10,000/-ha. The second level of modernization includes
additional structures, as needed and selective lining.

To offer financial and Technical Assistance for investment by the farmers on OFD
works below sluice level to improve water distribution within the sluice command.
A number of features remain to be clarified.

The program proposed by PWD under WRCP would target.

i)

10 Major/Medium Commands totalling 0.54 million ha for stage.I.

ii)

7 Major/Medium commands (0.15mha) for stage. II.

iii)

40 minor schemes (0.1 m ha) for Stage. II.

iv)

0.19 m ha unidentified for stage. I.

v)

OFD works for 0.8 m ha for stage. I.

vi)

OFD works for 0.4m ha for stage. II.

A key factor will be the degree to which WRD can mobilize the staff efforts and
Training required to prepare for and implement this programme.

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125

To have two years of the programme prepared by appraisal, and commence

implementation in year 1of atleast 6 stage-I commands and 4 stage. II
commands.

The equipment urgently needed for each division responsible for above 45000
hectare command is listed below:TRANSPORT VEHICLES :(1) Jeeps 4 to 5 depending upon number of sub divisions.These may be departmentally
(2) Motor Cycles 12 to 15 purchased and given to staff or
(3) Cycles 12 to 15 incentive provided to staff to purchase.
MACHINERY :(4)

Tipper trucks

2 to 3

(5)

Tractors with back hoc and front-end loader

(6)

Concrete mixer

(7)

Concrete Vibrators

(8)

Air compressor for Dam Division

(9)

Generator for Dam Division

(10) Boat for dam division

(11) Water pumps

(12) Vibrating plate computers

2 to 3

SURYVEY INSTRUMENTS:(13) Quick setting levels

division)

4 to 5 (one for each sub

(14) Ordinary levels

8 to 10

(15) Micro computer

2 to 3

(16) Photo copier

1 to 2

At the state level, one total station should be purchased to monitor water levels in long
canals.

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126

MAINTENANCE IMPLEMENTATION :- Maintenance works are the responsibility of the

farmers and PWD. PWD should keep a close watch on the quality of maintenance
whichever be the agency responsible for carrying out the repairs. Repair works to be
carried out by PWD should be generally entrusted to contractors. To ensure satisfactory
performance by contractors however, following measures should be adopted.
(i)

Define clearly staff authority and accountability.

(ii)

Draw clear specifications for works to be carried out and take adequate care in
preparation of contract documents.

(iii)

Award the contract to the lowest responsible tender.

(iv)

Establish strict, formalized quality control procedures.

For works that cannot be let out to contractor should be done by employing specialised
maintenance gangs. For that purpose, O & M wing should develop a core of specialised
maintenance staff in each command with the necessary skills and equipment to carry
on emergency and routine repairs. For routine repairs, Mazdoors should be appointed
at the following seat.
One Mazdoor for every 3 to 4 km of perennial canals;
One for every 6 KM of non-perennial canals;
One for every 4 KM of perennial distributory;
One for every 10 KM of non-perennial distributory;
And one for every 6 to 10 KM for minor canals.
Tanks bunds should be entrusted to farmers
MECHANISED MAINTENANCE:-.
In the long term there will be a shift towards mechanization for O & M. The shift is in
part supported by the restricted period available each year for maintenance of canals
and by scarcity of labour.
The equipment presently available with O & M is not only meager but most of it is in a
serious state of disrepair because of poor state of maintenance, probably cause by
inadequate maintenance budget. All existing plant and equipments beyond economic
repairs should be written off and those that can be economically repaired should be
brought under serviceable condition.

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127

WRCP HEADQUARTERS AND RIVER BASINS

GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU
ABSTRACT
Public Works Department Implementation of Water Resources Consolidation Project
Re-organisation and Restructuring of Public Works Department Formation of 4
Regions with the Headquarters and River Basins Orders Issued.
PUBLIC WORKS (WR1) DEPARTMENT
G.O. Ms. No. 530

Dated : 3.7.1995
Read :

1. G.O. Ms. No. 279 Public Works (WR) Department dt. 29.3.94
2. From the Chief Engineer (General) and Engineer-in-Chief (Water Resources
Organisation) Lr. No. AEE/T1/A/44953/95, dt 23.5.95.
ORDER :In the order first read above, the Government have inter-alia issued orders that the
Water Management may be decentralized along basin lines and the basins will be
headed by Basin Managers in the cadre of Chief Engineers by redeployment of the
existing Chief Engineers. The Chief Engineer (General & Irrigation) was requested to
send detailed proposals for implementing the order.
2. Accordingly, the Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources Organisation has sent
proposals for the decentralization of the Water Management of Basin lines with four
Regions consisting of several independent river basin boundaries. Each Region will be
headed by one Chief Engineer. The Engineer-in-Chief has furnished the details of river
basins to be included in each region and also Headquarters of each region. He has
requested orders of the Government, for the formation of the four Regions along with
the respective river basins with Headquarters.
3. The Government after careful consideration, accept the proposal of the Engineer-inChief, Water Resources Organisation and direct that the Water Management be
decentralized on basin lines with headquarters at :(1) Madras
(2) Tiruchirappali
(3) Pollachi and
(4) Madurai
Along river basins indicated in the Annexure I, Annexure II, Annexure III and
Annexure IV respectively, to this order. Each Region will be headed by a basin
Manager in the cadre of Chief Engineer by redeployment.
4. This order issued with the concurrence of the Finance Department vide its U.O.
No.2341/FS/P/95 dated 30.05.1995.
P. BASKARADOSS
Secretary to government.

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128

ANNEXURE - I
REGION-I HEADQUARTERS AT MADRAS
Basin No.
1.

River Basin
2.
1. Araniyaru
2. Kortalaiyar
3. Cooum
4. Adyar
5. Palar

6. Ongur
7. Varahanadhi
8. Malattaru
9. Pennaiyar

Tributary
3.
1.1. Ilamkalvai
2.1. Nagariar
2.2. Nandhiyar
2.3. Akkur

5.1. Kallar
5.2. Malattar

5.2.1 Goddarvanka
5.2.2 Goddarvanka
5.3. Goundinya Nadhi 5.3.1 Goddar
5.4.Punniyathirtha Nadhi 5.4.1. Gundalkalkan Ar
5.4.2. Uttrakaveri Ar.
5.5.
Malaikanar. R
5.6
Poiney
5.7
Cheyyar
5.7.1. Karavanar
5.8
Killiyar
5.7.2. Kattu Ar.
5.7.3. Kamandalar
5.7.3.1 Nandiyar
5.7.4.Kalavai Maduvu
7.1. Tondiaru
7.2. Pambaiyar
Malattaru
9.1. Chinnar-I
9.2. Chinnar-II
9.3. Mirkanda Nadhi
9.4. Pullampatti R
9.5. Pambar
9.6. Vaniaru

10. Gadilam
11. Vellar

9.7. Kallaru
9.8. Pamba Aru
9.9. Musukunda nadhi
9.10. Thurinjalar
11.1. Vashistanadhi

11.2. Kallar
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Sub-Tributary
4.

129

9.3.1.Nachikuppa Nadhi
9.3.2.Veppampatti Nadhi
9.4.1. Semmankuppanar
9.5.1. Mattur
9.5.2. Barguri
9.5.3. Kanar
9.6.1. Kallar
9.6.2. Varattar
9.7.1. Kovilar

11.1.1. Anaimaduvar
11.1.2. Kariyakovidar
11.1.3. Sengipuramar
11.1.4. Malliyakarai R
11.1.5. Mankaniyar
11.2.1. Ettalar

11.3. Chinnar

11.2.2. Swethanandi
11.3.1. Koneri R
11.3.2. Eluvur. R

11.4. Kattodai
11.5. Manimuktha Nadhi 11.5.1. Gomuki
11.5.2. Mayura Nadhi

ANNEXURE - II
REGION-II HEADQUARTERS AT TIRUCHIRAPALLI
Basin No.
River Basin
Tributary
Sub-Tributary
1.
2.
3.
4.
12. Cauvery
12.1. Santhanamuthuhalla
12.2. Toddahalla R
12.3. Chinnar
12.6. Palaru
12.7. Thoppuraru
12.8. Sarabanga Nadhi
12.12. Penniar
12.12.1. Thirumanimuthar
12.14. Karaipattanur
12.15. Pungaru
12.16. Aiyaru
12.17. Ariyavurar
12.17.1. Koraiar
12.18. Kulaiyar
12.19. Nanadiyar (Branch Rivers)
12/2. Cauvery
12/2-1. Kudamurutti
12/2-2. Arasalar
12/2-3. Veeracholanar
12/2-4. Vikramanar (Branch Rivers)
12/3. Vennar
12/3-1. Vettar
12/3-2. Vadavar
12/3-3. Koraiyar
12/3-4. Paminiyar
12/3-5. Pandavayar
12/3-6. Vellaiyar
12/1. Coleroon (Branch River)
12.20. Andi Odai
12.21. Marudayaru
13.1. Madarajasamudram
Agniar
Ambuilyar
Vellar
Koluvanar
Pambar

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130

ANNEXURE - III
REGION-III HEADQUARTERS AT POLLACHI
Basin No.
River Basin
Tributary
1.
2.
3.
12. Cauvery
12.13. Amaravathy

12.9. Bhavani

12.11. Noyyar

12.4. Palar

12.5. Periyapallam

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131

Sub-Tributary
4.
12.13.3. Upper Odai
12.13.4. Nallathangaiar
12.13.5. Varattukarai
12.13.6.Vattamalaikarai
12.13.6.1. Perimpallam
12.13.7. Andankarai
12.13.8. Nanganjiar
12.13.8.1. Odai Karai
12.13.8.2. Parappalar
12.13.1. Kudhiraiyar
12.13.2. Shanmuganadhi
12.13.2.1. Pachayar
12.13.2.2. Porandalar
12.13.2.3. Palar
12.13.9. Kodaganaru
12.13.9.1.Samdanavardani
12.9.9. Varattupallam
12.9.9.1.Nalukkupparai Pallam
12.9.1. Moyar
12.9.1.1.Ambyaur Halla
12.9.1.2. Paikara
12.9.1.3. Avarai Halla
12.9.1.4. Singur. R
12.9.1.5. Kedar Halla
12.9.1.6. Gundaharta Halla
12.9.1.7.Kukalthurai Halla
12.9.2. Siruvani R
12.9.3. Kundah
12.9.4. Nikalapallam
12.9.5. Pillurpallam
12.9.6. Thannirpallam
12.9.7. Kombupallam
12.9.8. Gunderipallam
12.11.1. Chinnar
12.11.2. Sanganurpallam
12.11.3. Nallur Korangampallam
12.4.1 Kathala Halla
12.4.2 Tatta Halla
12.4.3 Maniyar Halla

ANNEXURE - IV
REGION-III HEADQUARTERS AT MADURAI
Basin No.

River Basin

Tributary

Sub-Tributary

1.

2.

3.

4.

18. Manimuthar

18.1. Virusuli R

18.1.1. Palaru

19. Kottakkaraiyar

18.2. Thirumanimuthar
19.1. Saruganiyar

20. Vaigai

20.1. Kottakudiar
20.2. Suruliar
20.3. Mavuttuodai
20.4. Varaha Nadhi
20.5. Manjalar

20.5.1.Maruda Nadhi

22.1. Marattanaru

22.1.1. Kanal odai

22.2. Vegavathy

22.2.1. Paralaiyaru

21. Uthrakosamangaiyar
22. Gundar
23. Vembaru
24. Vaippar

25. Kallar

24.1. Seevalaperi
24.2. Nichapanadhi

24.2.1. Deviyaru

24.3. Arjuna Nadhi

25.1
Malattar odai

24.3.1.Mannarkottai

26. Korampallamaru
27. Tambaraparani

27.1. Pambar
27.2. Servalar
27.3. Manimuthar

27.3.1.Periyar
27.3.2. Keelamaniuthar

27.4. Gadana Nadhi

27.4.1. Rama Nadhi

27.5. Pachaiyar
27.6. Chittar

27.6.1. Karuppanadhi
27.6.2. Uppodai

28. Karamaniar
29. Nambiyar

29.1. Kombiar

30. Hanumanadhi
31. Palayaru
32. Valliyar
33. Kodayar

33.1. Paralayar

Farmers may be illiterate but not ignorant. They had reacted favorably to green
revolution and would to water management training courses and demonstrations
programme in the lead to this willing cooperation. Indirectly this will lead to economy in
nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

132

water usage and irrigation by turns can be slowly inducted into their minds. That is why
the WRCP project emphasis formation of water users Association to be formed.
1997-99 Government had decided to form water users association under WRCP and
importance to be given EC assisted phase 2.
2000-01

Rupees 250 per hectare to be collected and matching grant (OECD) will be
given.

2001-02

W.U.A bill passed on 18-05-2000. Assent received for Rs.15lakhs. 1078

farmers councils established and registered under T.N.S.R Act. 86 are in
progress. Funds required for 01-02 is Rs.120.21 lakhs Implementing TNF
MIS Act no provision under WRCP. After framing rules of TNFMIS ACT
elections to be held for which Rs.100 crores will be needed.

April2002 Government issue G.O. NS No.152 dated 26-04-2002 Constituting

Technical Secretariat for supporting the Basin Manage and Basin
Management and Development Boards for one year at an estimated cost of
Rs.66.5 lakhs.
2002-03

1267 farmers councils established and 88 in progress.

2005-06

1965 completed. W.U.A to be formed in non-WRCP also. Documentation

completed from April 2004 Members given orientation training and
sensitized for effective participation.

2009-10

1227 completed in Feb 2009. Elections to be held for 1354 for phase 3
works before August 2009. State level steering committee formed. So far
3380 were approved and 11452 constituted.

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133

3. RIVER BASINS
Particulars of catchment areas and surface and ground water potentials are
tabulated below.
SL.No.

Name of Basin

Drainage
area on km2

Drainage
area in TN
km2

Normal
Annual
Rainfall
(in mm)

Normal
Volume
in Mcum

Ground
water
Potential
(in Mcum)

Chennai

7282

5542

1130

6.26

1120

Palar

17871

10674

940

10.03

2610

Varahanadhi

3637

3637

1250

4.55

1482

Ponnaiyar

15865

12141

920

11.17

1560

Vellar

8558

8558

980

8.39

1344

Cauvery

87900

48730

930

45.32

Agniar

4463

4463

910

4.06

Pambar

3488

3488

880

3.07

Kottakaraiar

1813

1813

880

1.60

976

10

Vaigai

7741

7741

900

6.97

993

11

Gundar

4838

4838

770

3.73

766

12

Vaippar

6255

6255

8001

5.00

1167

13

Kallar

1739

1739

6001

1.04

69

14

Tambrapani

5482

5482

1110

6.09

744

15

Nambiar

1561

1561

950

1.48

275

16

Kodaiyar

1533

1533

1720

2.64

342

17

Parambikulam

2174

610

1.33

751

Aliyar
Total

130369

Source : State Remote Sensing Centre IWS, Chennai -113

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134

122.73

920

CHAPTER NO- 18 : IRRIGATION GROWTH IN THE STATE

A. Growth before independence (1947)
In 1801 East India Company took over Thanjavur district. At that time the entire
irrigation system is reported to have come to ruins as the rulers were only indulging in
internal wars without having any time to attend to irrigation needs of people. As the
British felt that the irrigation was a potential source of revenue and was profitable, they
began to devote time to this development. The Grand-anicut amazed them and
provoked them to introduce improvements. The following are major developments in
Cauvery.
1836

Sir Arthur Cotton became Chief Engineer.

1845

Regulators were built across cauvery and Vennar at Grand-anicut and road
over the regulators built. Lift gates were provided. Barrages were built across
all the channels in places where Korambus were being put-in by farmers for
water diversion. The field boundaries were built high and farmers stored
water for a over 9 height and they believed that crops grow only if the
boundaries grow and store water.

1836-38

Upper Anicut was built to prevent cauvery water wasting into Coleroon. But
this eroded the bed in Cauvery. Therefore grade wall was built across
Cauvery. This is called Cauvery dam.

1856

Vennar Head which was 4 miles upstream of Grand-anicut shifted to its

present position. Grand Anicut-dam stones removed and lift shutters made
by Col. Smarts were fixed in 32 spans of height 5 feet. Shutters made at
Madras workshop.

1899-1907 Upper Anicut remodeled as a bridge-cum-regulator with 55 spans of 40 feet

each and fitted with gates and Counterweight (designed by Col. Smarts).
Mr. Rajagopala Iyengar was associated with this work. Each shutter
weighed 8 tonnes. Grand-anicut was remodeled as bridge-cum-regulator
with lift gates serving as an anicut and surplus weir.
1909

Floods washed away scouring sluices in Upper Anicut and rebuilt. The
arrangement did not effectively ensure water to delta and therefore ayacut
started diminishing.

1924-25

In productive works, area irrigated was 31.91 lakh acres under I crop and
5.32 lakhs acres under II crop. Gross revenue was 38.59 lakhs. Under
unproductive, it was 24.2 lakhs.

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135

1925-26

Improvements carried out to Veeranam Tank sanctioned for Rs.3.05 lakhs.

Area irrigated under productive works was 32.35 lakh acres in I crop and
5.32 lakh acres in II crop under non productive works 2.43 lakh acres in I
crop and 0.20 lakh acres in II crop. Road dam built across cauvery at Grand
Anicut. New scouring sluices were erected at Coleroon one at Trichy and
another at Thanjavur.

1928-29

Upland drainage diversions to G.A under examination.

1930-31

Remodeling Cauvery delta channels under investigation. Restoration of old

course of Uyyakondan under investigation.

The growth has to be examined before independence and after independence. The
amounts spent on irrigation before independence (1947) and the ayacuts under I and II
crops as detailed in the State Administrative reports are given below in the statement.
The British had classified the works as productive and non-productive based on the
figures of the previous 3 years and collected water - tax at different scales and also for
different crops.
Irrigation growth before 1949
All figures in lakh - acres
Productive Lakh Rs.
Year

Expense I Crop

Unproductive Lakh Rs.

II
Crop

Expense

I
Crop

II
Crop

Total
expenses
in lakh
Rs.

Crop
area
Acres
lakhs

Revenue
in lakhs
Rs.

1924-25

----

31.91

4.68

2.62

0.23

NA

39.44

178.59

25-26

45.98

32.36

5.32

47.04

2.43

0.20

93.02

40.31

185.47

27-28

108.71

NA

NA

NA

2.45

0.18

106.71(+)

2.45(+)

----

28-29

119.58

NA

NA

15.00

2.43

0.17

134.58

2.43(+)

----

29-30

102.89

33.73

5.21

NA

NA

NA

102.89(+)

102.89(+)

----

30-31

100.47

36.21

5.33

2.07

NA

NA

102.54

36.21(+)

----

31-32

NA

34.20

2.50

0.97

---

---

0.97(+)

36.70(+)

----

32-33

82.00

33.02

4.83

184.02

---

---

266.02

37.85(+)

----

33-34

44.42

33.22

4.89

146.03

---

---

190.45

38.11(+)

----

36-37

18.63

34.42

5.64

115.16

2.39

0.38

133.79

42.83

3.49

37-38

7.27

34.99

5.99

103.70

2.43

0.63

110.97

44.04

3.65

38-39

9.10

35.05

6.19

93.72

2.29

0.41

102.82

43.94

----

43-44

5.37

35.07

9.29

1.08

3.50

0.93

6.45

48.79

----

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136

Productive Lakh Rs.

Year

Expense I Crop

Unproductive Lakh Rs.

II
Crop

Expense

I
Crop

II
Crop

Total
expenses
in lakh
Rs.

Crop
area
Acres
lakhs

Revenue
in lakhs
Rs.

44-45

8.95

37.19

8.28

2.10

3.51

0.82

11.05

49.80

----

45-46

7.41

28.40

7.13

12.71

3.58

0.52

20.22

39.63

----

46-47

12.19

39.10

7.80

54.44

2.86

0.71

63.63

50.47

----

1947-48

46.76

38.39

7.48

99.80

2.80

0.55

146.56

49.22

----

48-49

40.90

39.18

7.84

227.16

2.74

0.40

268.06

50.16

----

It may be seen that the irrigated extent had been ranging over about 30 to 40 lakhs
acres under productive and about 2.5 to 3.0 lakhs acres under non-productive
schemes. All told, about 40 lakhs acres had been under irrigation during the year 1924
to 1949 and the Government had been investing over Rs.100 lakhs on the maintenance
and capital works until 1947. The investment had started growing by 50% to 100% in
the year 1948 and 1949 due to the coming of the popular Governments. The major
works carried out by Government before independence are detailed in chapters 2
dealing with schemes executed by British Government.
B. GROWTH AFTER INDEPENDENCE
After independence the Government wanted to stop importing food crops and as a short
term measure it & took up some schemes to give a boost to the food-production. The
first such scheme is the grow-more food-scheme.
1. Grow-more food schemes

1946-47

Under post-war reconstruction, several schemes were taken-up. 21

schemes costing Rs.46.549 lakhs to irrigate 29295 acres were sanctioned
with subsidy of 50% from Government of India.

1947-48

35 schemes costing Rs.51.04 lakhs to irrigate 54600 acres sanctioned

under post-war reconstruction schemes executed for Rs.27.4 lakhs.

1948-49

47 new schemes costing Rs.121.49 lakhs to irrigate 37570 acres

sanctioned.

1950-51

90 new schemes costing Rs.84.82 lakhs to irrigate 46082 acres sanctioned

under intensive cultivation programme to yield 21339 tonnes of food.

1951-52

38 major schemes are in advanced stage of construction to irrigate 28484

acres at a cost of Rs.55.03 lakhs. Post-war reconstruction works costing
Rs.29.63 lakhs mostly completed.

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137

1953-54

Olavayal channel was added to G.A. Canal in Pudukottai District to irrigate

27000 acres

C. Accelerated Repairs in Cauvery Delta

1969-70

Proposal for Modernisation of Cauvery channels with World Bank sent to

Government of India for approval.

1971-72

Modernisation of Cauvery channels and barrage at Upper Anicut costing

Rs.212 lakhs sent to G.O.I. for clearance.

1972-76

Modernisation of Cauvery channels taken up under accelerated repairs

wherever necessary in 4 years of 1972-73 to 75-76 costing Rs.12.98 crores.
Manniar river straightened, desilted and lined for 10.5 km length on bed and
sides at a cost of Rs.24.4 lakhs. Manniar river was drawing silt due to
unfavorable angle of head sluice. Model studies was conducted at IHH
Poondy and silt ejector constructed 250 metres below head-sluice to
discharge 24 cusecs with silt. Length of ejector was 60 metre having 6 vents
of size 3.5x1.07 metres. The ejector is first of its kind in South India.
Separate head sluices were constructed for channels of (a) Ayyanallur
(b) Veerakkan (c) Thalluvancheri (d) Mathiyan and (e) Ukkarai.
Regulators/barrages were constructed across Cauvery and branch rivers
above the head sluices of
(1) Kothangudi (2) Thiruvarpadi (3) Sholaivalagam (4) Chickanikenpatti and
(5) Uthirangudi
Head sluices which were having unfavorable orientation and therefore
drawing excessive silt were remodeled for (1) Neerathanallur (2) Sangam
(3) Tiruvappadi (4) Budangudi (5) Namasivayapuram and (6) Neyvasal.

Neerathanallur channel flowing adjacent to coleroon for 500 metres was getting blocked
by sand and therefore diverted southwards through ayacut field. The reach adjacent to
coleroon was lined on sides and bed to prevent seepage of water into Coleroon.
The South Rajan channel flowing adjacent to deep drain was lined to prevent seepage
losses into drain. The bed dam at Manambedu was converted into a regulator
Manakkalmedu channel was at the tail-end of Bheernan channel and was having heads
sluice 7 km above this regulator. The channels Senganur and Thiruvarppadi were
having their head about km above regulator and were getting clogged by earth
slipping into high banks of river. Heads were shifted and placed side by sides with
suitable sill-levels to divide water for better regulation.
The drains of Palavar and Nandalar were studied and provided with standard banks.
The bed dams across Noolar were converted into regulators for better regulation.
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138

Project Houses were built at Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Mayavaram, Nannilam and

Tharangambadi. Quarters for cauvery delta engineers were built at Thanjavur,
Kumbakonam, Mayavaram, Mannargudi and Sirkali,
Office building and staff quarters were built at Nannilam Villupuram and Thirukoilur in
the year 1974.The Cauvery delta ayacuts were zonalised by a cell containing irrigation
engineers and revenue staff and agronomist such that the fields which were likely to get
water for II crop were identified after considering the various aspects of (a) contiguity (b)
feasibility and (c) fitness of soil and depending upon these recommendations all blocks
were intimated about the eligible field.
A regulator was built across cauvery at Mayavaram giving better commands to
Rajendran and other channels.
1968-69

Modernisation of Govinda Cauvery and Rajan channel started in 1963 has

been fully completed.

1976-77

Drainage channels in Cauvery delta at Rs.10.55 lakhs. Barrange at upper

anicut completed at Rs.165.17 lakhs.

1984-85

Estimate for modernisation of Thanjavur channels updated to

Rs.366.6 lakhs. Improvements to 12 channels, 5 regulators and
18 channels, 696 Drainages identified for improvement at a cost of
Rs.11 crores, 315 taken up and 223 completed upto 1984-85.

1986-87

Out of 696 drains identified, 367 completed upto 1985-86 and 124 taken up
in 1986-87

1987-88

Improvements to Lower Anicut and Grand-anicut completed RCC cut off

walls provided at Grand-anicut and lining in 16 channels completed

1996-97

485 drainage schemes completed in cauvery delta.

1999-2000 Estimate for phase 1 of modernisation of cauvery delta sent to government

of India for Rs.460 crores
2001-2002 Modernisation of Cauvery delta at Rs.460 crores sent to government of
India. Interim award given for 205 TMC on 25-06-1991. It was notified in the
G.O.I gazette on 11-08-89. Authority met on 28-10-98 and 14-07-2000 and
T.N. Government insisted on its implementation. Assessment of 670 TMC
made at 75% dependability and 740 TMC at 50% dependability. The
findings of cauvery fact finding Committee were Karnataka 208.70, Kerala
410.10, Tamilnadu 641.5. Total extent irrigated was over 47 lakh acres.
2002

TNEB have completed 4 barrages across cauvery having shutters of

9 metres height upto Bhavani. 3 more barrages are proposed.

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139

2007-08

Tsunami affected Nagapattinam. Rivers and channels were desilted and

strengthened with world bank aid at Rs.19.271 crores and completed by
September 2007

2009-2010 Rehabilitation and modernisation of Cauvery delta in 5 districts to be taken

up in 3 blocks of 5 years each. Estimates sent to Government of India for
Rs.5100 crores.
D. Drought Relief Works :1977-78

588 schemes taken up in Ramrad district and 587 completed 199 schemes
taken in Dharmapuri district taken up and 187 completed. Ayacut benefited
are 92239 acres in Ramnad and 282260 acres in Dharmapuri District

1973-74

86 schemes taken up and 2 completed estimated cost was Rs.223 crores

and spent Rs.106 lakhs.

1974-75

Dharmapuri District 49 works costing Rs.83.35 lakhs and 23 completed

benefiting 2280 acres. In Ramrad district 116 spill over works costing
Rs.26.71 lakhs taken up along with 254 new works costing Rs.123.82
lakhs. 120 works completed benefiting 13672 acres

1979-80

Pambar Reservoir scheme in progress benefiting 152631 hectares in 4

zones.

1998-99

Rs.78.60 crores sanctioned in 1991 with World Bank aid and Rs.41.85
crores for institutional building

1999-2000 Upgrade 16 dams of Pechiparai, Gomukhi, Manimuthar and Periyar.

Midterm review by W.B. agreed to include Sathanur, Vidur, Sholyar and
Wellington costing Rs.32.45 crores. Dam safety II stage 118.5 crores in
13 dams for PWD and Electricity Board.
Dam Safety Works :1970-71

Pechiparai dam completed and also Perunchani dam.

1996-97

Rs.7860 lakhs is the estimated value. Spent Rs.933 lakhs upto March 1996.

E. Irrigation schemes executed in 1947 to 2006

Statements are enclosed giving the salient details of schemes executed in the basins of
(a) Cauvery (b) Ponnaiar (c) Madurai and Ramad regions, (d) Salem and Erode areas
(e) Tambaraparani and Kanyakumari area (f) Madras basin containing Palar, Adyar,
Cooum, Kosastalayar and Arnaiyar basins.

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140

A summary is given below

Basin

No of Schemes Cost in Lakhs Ayacut benefited in Hectares

Cauvery Basin

21

10785

120817

Madurai & Ramnad

29

13916

33774

Salem & Erode

9044

16588

Ponnair

20

18557

42128

Tambraparani & Kanyakumari

13

4627

18970

Chennai Basin

13608

13952

100

70537

246229

Statement - A
Irrigation extents in 5 decades (Taken from Statistics Department publications)
(lakhs hectares)
Year

Canals

Tanks Wells

Other sources Total

47-48

4.41

3.10

1.70

0.47

9.68

48-49

4.53

3.04

1.78

0.50

9.85

49-50

4.62

2.99

1.65

0.59

9.85

50-51

4.63

2.55

1.54

0.34

9.06

51-52

4.60

2.80

1.74

0.24

9.38

52-53

4.49

2.81

1.43

0.35

9.08 Andhra State Formed in March 53

53-54

1.88

1.97

1.25

0.10

5.20

54-55

1.90

2.15

1.13

0.15

5.33

55-56

1.94

1.98

1.26

0.16

5.34 Malabar area attached to Kerala

56-57

8.07

8.83

5.00

0.44

22.34

57-58

8.20

8.47

5.20

0.44

22.31

58-59

8.40

8.40

5.45

0.36

22.61

59-60

8.41

8.33

5.64

0.41

22.79

Vaigai Reservoir Project

completed

1960-61

8.80

5.98

0.06

24.62

Lower Bhavani and Amaravati

9.36

Remarks

completed in 1958
61-62

9.23

9.39

5.94

0.46

25.02

Mettur canals scheme

commissioned

62-63

9.01

9.46

6.15

0.45

25.07

63-64

8.73

9.19

6.04

0.43

24.34

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141

64-65

8.90

8.92

5.99

0.43

24.24

65-66

7.98

9.03

6.59

0.39

23.99

66-67

8.50

9.66

6.40

0.55

25.11

67-68

8.91

9.90

6.98

0.50

26.29

68-69

8.90

7.51

7.44

0.32

24.17

69-70

9.05

8.79

6.90

0.34

25.08

70-71

8.83

8.98

7.75

0.36

25.92

71-72

9.30

9.24

0.36

27.10

72-73

9.41

9.49

8.29

0.32

28.15

73-74

9.26

9.30

9.30

0.29

28.15

74-75

8.86

5.94

9.24

0.34

24.35

75-76

9.09

7.50

8.70

0.36

25.65

76-77

6.76

8.00

8.24

0.29

23.29

77-78

9.25

9.10

9.58

0.41

28.34

78-79

9.19

8.41

10.69

0.44

28.73

79-80

9.32

8.96

11.17

0.39

29.84

80-81

8.88

7.38

10.45

0.38

27.09

81-82

9.00

7.38

10.45

0.26

27.09

82-83

7.63

5.17

9.59

0.16

22.55

83-84

8.65

8.07

9.25

0.21

26.18

84-85

8.95

7.15

10.07

0.23

26.40

85-86

7.73

6.72

10.30

0.26

25.01

86-87

8.19

5.09

10.10

0.18

23.56

87-88

7.20

6.09

10.92

0.17

24.38

88-89
89-90
90-91
91-92
92-93

8.10
7.90
7.69
8.43
8.50

4.79
5.22
5.31
5.77
6.29

10.71
11.69
10.59
11.68
12.01

0.15
0.16
0.35
0.17
0.17

23.75
24.97
23.73
26.05
26.97

93-94

8.50

6.29

94-95
95-96
96-97
97-98
98-99
99-2000

8.44
7.71
8.02
8.37
8.34
8.67

6.74
5.12
6.24
6.75
6.90
6.33

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8.20

12.01
11.85
13.27
13.70
14.13
14.77
14.53

0.17
2.00
0.15
0.15
0.20
0.18
0.19
142

26.97
29.03
26.25
28.11
29.45
30.19
29.72

PAP completed in 1972

Tubewells were 15000 numbers

Tubewells 60000 numbers

Periyar Vaigai Modernisation

Project completed 1993

Statement - B
Growth of tubewells and wells and irrigation in 5 decades (Taken from Statistical
Department)
Year

Tubewells

Open wells

Total wells

in 1000s

in 1000s

in 1000s

Extent of Irrigation
in 1000 ha

Extent under
each well ha

50-51

537.45

537.45

154

0.29

51-52

777.70

537.45

174

0.32

52-53

750.43

750.43

143

0.19

53-54

1.55

763.43

764.98

125

0.16

54-55

1.70

800.62

802.32

113

0.14

55-56

1.91

789.69

791.63

126

0.16

56-57

1.80

820.99

822.79

500

0.61

57-58

1.93

854.51

856.44

520

0.61

58-59

2.19

909.27

911.46

545

0.60

59-60

1.74

874.06

875.80

564

0.64

60-61

1.64

873.60

874.80

598

0.68

61-62

1.67

932.39

934.06

594

0.64

62-63

2.19

940.18

942.37

615

0.65

63-64

2.78

958.18

961.14

604

0.63

64-65

2.83

972.64

975.47

599

0.61

65-66

1.80

975.96

977.76

659

0.67

66-67

1.93

986.60

988.53

640

0.65

67-68

2.04

1027.45

1029.49

698

0.68

68-69

4.25

1113.84

1118.09

744

0.67

69-70

5.70

1183.18

1188.88

690

0.62

70-71

4.49

1219.71

1224.20

775

0.63

71-72

24.97

1279.85

1304.71

820

0.63

72-73

19.34

1324.22

1349.14

829

0.61

73-74

18.14

1338.36

1356.56

930

0.69

74-75

5.57

1469.81

1475.38

924

0.63

75-76

4.93

1570.42

1575.35

870

0.52

76-77

7.14

1574.68

1581.82

824

0.52

77-78

7.70

1542.56

1550.26

958

0.62

78-79

7.68

1577.60

1585.28

1069

0.67

79-80

8.09

1594.16

1602.25

1117

0.70

80-81

7.74

1606.47

1614.21

1045

0.65

81-82

7.72

1618.27

1625.99

1045

0.64

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143

82-83

7.92

1631.43

1692.91

959

83-84
84-85
85-86

6.60
2.35
62.30

1914.16
1918.78
1745.00

1977.22
1977.53
1807.30

71.90
82.14
86.62
86.48
89.75
98.17
108.34
109.70
124.71
137.32
18.48
145.44
150.30
162.62

1677.18
1644.72
1654.19
1657.01
1680.26
1682.45
1687.03
1690.68
1715.54
1690.94
1788.15
1657.02
1657.91
1664.29

1749.08
1726.86
1740.81
1744.39
1770.01
1781.12
1753.37
1790.38
1829.75
1828.26
1806.63
1802.46
1808.21
1826.91

925
0.47
1007
0.53
1030
0.57
Sudden increase in tube wells
1010
0.58
1092
0.63
1071
0.62
1169
0.67
1059
0.60
1168
0.66
1201
0.67
1201
0.67
1185
0.64
1327
0.73
1370
0.76
1413
0.78
1477
0.81
1453
0.80

86-87
87-88
88-89
89-90
90-91
91-92
92-93
93-94
94-95
95-96
96-97
97-98
98-99
99-2000

0.57

In the last 53 years, the Government had executed 100 major and medium irrigation
schemes and spent nearly Rs.70537 lakhs or 705 crores to benefit roughly 2.46 lakhs
of hectares. Against the gross area of 60 lakh hectares, this addition is about 4%.
Today the net irrigated area is about 30 lakhs hectares. These projects have added
about 8.2% growth mainly in the category of canals.
Net area irrigated in the state from 1947 to 2000 under canals, tanks and wells and
other sources given in the enclosed. Statement A as collected from State department
of Statistics. It shows that an area of 3 million hectares are being irrigated. Some of
them might have also yielded 2nd crops.
F. Growth of irrigation under wells and tubewells
Kindly see the statement B enclosed for 50 years. Over 20000 tube-wells seem to
have been added in the years 70-71 and 60000 numbers from the year 1985. At
present 163000 tube wells appear to be in use in private and Government sector.
Regarding dry wells, 537000 wells were in use in 1950 and they have increased over
3.5 times and at present 1664000 wells seem to be in use mostly in private sector. The
average ayacut under each well was hovering around 0.20 hectares till 1956.
Afterwards it has gone upto 0.60 hectares until 1995. After 1996, average ayacut under
each well increased to 0.8 hectares mostly due to tubewells.

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144

G. Performance under five year plans (Collected from State Planning

Commission)
The allotments made in the 5 year plans are given below
Year and Plan

Allocation Crores

Remarks

51-56 First

20.15

56.60 Second

17.56

61-65 Third

31.41

66-67 Annual Plan

12.54

68-72 Fourth

28.29

73-77 Fifth

59.65

78-79 Midterm

40.71

80-84 Sixth

161.33

85-59 Seventh

343.74

90-92 Annual Plan

167.37

92-96 Eighth

540.00

Rs.312.10 crores spent

97-01 Nineth

605.00

Rs.445.86 crores spent actually

2002-06 Tenth

496.00

Rs.863.83 crores spent actually

2007-12 Eleventh

2431.36

Actually 1006.75 crores spent

38% of the State Plan

The allotments under eleventh plan is Rs.2431.36 crores which is nearly 6 times the
allotment under Tenth Plan. But this provision of 2431.36 crores works out to only 3.8%
of the entire state plan.
The projects taken up in the first 3 five year plans are given below :
Programme
I Plan

Project

Basin

Year

Cost in
lakhs
Rs.

Ayacut
I crop
acres

Ayacut II
crop
acres

L.B.P

Bhavani

1956

102.00

83700

Araniar

Araniar

1957

10.59

1012

Perunchani

Kanyakumari

Mettur Canal

Cauvery

1957

19.29

18211

Manimuthar

Thirvnelveli

1958

50.50

8094

33589

Amaravathi

Coimbatore

1958

32.98

8701

12950

Vaigai

Madurai

1959

33.10

9234

Krishnagiri

Salem

1958

20.24

3642

Sathanur

South Arcot

1958

25.80

8498

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4.37

145

3169
27763

Programme
II Plan

III Plan

Project

Basin

Year

Cost in
lakhs
Rs.

Ayacut
I crop
acres

NKHLC

Trichy

1960

22.45

8345

Pullambadi

Trichy

1960

20.61

8949

Vidur

South Arcot

1959

8.89

1295

Neyyar

Kanyakumari

1965

9.03

3773

PAP

Coimbatore

MI Schemes

Kanyakumari

Palar
extention

480.00

Anicut South Arcot

Ayacut II
crop
acres

97214

1961

2.20

1965

4.81

1329

Sathanur II Stage

North Arcot

1964

6.00

2023

Gomukhi

South Arcot

1966

8.70

2023

Manjalar

Madurai

1966

6.58

531

1255

Chittar
Pattanamagal

Madurai

1968

66.70

13079

5941

Total

934.74 lakhs

The particulars of works taken up and completed as allocated in the Tenth plan are
given below. (2002-2006)
Categories

Allotment crores Rs. Actual Expenditure crores Rs.

WRCP
Dam Safety
Tank modernisation
Major and MI
IMTI
Floods and Ant sea erosion
Hydrology projects
Modernising MI tanks
projects under NABARD
State Bank and SMIP and DCR
Modernisation Ex-Zamin
Modernisation PWD
NABARD assistance
Ground Water
SMIP

874.00
30.00
61.00
96.00
30.00
179.00
8.00
10.00

149.83
10.34
38.56
863.83
2.97
164.81
13.31
23.76

10.00
4.00
4.00
357.00
84.00
108.00

23.71
3.57
0.64
181.91
14.94
30.61

MI tanks desilting

200.00

220.62

Total

2375.00

1743.91

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146

H. Status of irrigated area in the State

The ayacuts irrigated in the year 2000 to 2007 as published by Agriculture department
are given below :Figures are in 1000 hectares
Year

Area under paddy

Area under sugarcane

Total

2000-01

2080

316

2396

2001-02

2060

321

2381

2002-03

1516

261

1777

2003-04

1397

192

1589

2004-05

1873

222

2095

2005-06

2050

335

2385

2006-07

1931

391

2322

2007-08

1789

383

2172

From the above figures it may be seen that total irrigated area in the state is gradually
on the decrease. The rate may be in the order 2 to 3% per year.
I. Yield of paddy per hectare in the state
The Statistics department have worked out and given the yield in Kilograms per hectare
for paddy for various years.

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147

Some figures for the last 30 years are given below

Year

Yield
kg/ha

Year

Yield
kg/ha

Year

Yield
kg/ha

1970-71

1900

1980-81

1861

1990-91

3116

1971-72

1971

1981-82

2265

1991-92

3115

1972-73

1954

1982-83

1845

1992-93

3116

1973-74

2057

1983-84

1914

1993-94

2927

1974-75

1597

1984-85

2138

1994-95

3392

1975-76

2029

1985-86

2372

1995-96

2712

1976-77

N.A

1986-87

2728

1996-97

2671

1977-78

2050

1987-88

2872

1997-98

3050

1978-79

2017

1988-89

3032

1998-99

3579

1979-80

1996

1989-90

3088

1999-2000

3481

The yield after reaching 3000 kgms in 1988-89 is showing very slow progress over the
last 20 yeas and at present it is only 3500 kgm per hectare.
J. Floodwaters to be saved from River Basins
An Expert committee under the chairmanship of Thiru. Vijayaraghavan IAS (Retd.) was
formed in 2001 to study the surplus waters escaping into the sea and to recommend
schemes for harnessing them. The Committee had recommended schemes in the
following 5 basins.
Palar

24.339 TMC

Ponniyar

26.404 TMC

Vellar

41.243 TMC

Cauvery

104.56 TMC

and Tambaraparani

24.05 TMC

Government are studying the report and are yet to issue orders

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148

K. National Water Management Project (1985-1992)

Formal approach to system management problems was out-lined by the Govt of India in
Manual on Irrigation Water Management 1982. In pursuance of this, efforts were made
during the eighties towards integrated water management and rotational water supply
or warabandi in a few W.B. aided projects in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana,
Maharashtra and Rajasthan. In the light of these experiences, the world bank was
approached in 1982 a few projects were launched in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and
Tamilnadu. The concept provided for minimal but essential investments required to
implement operational plan which included repairs, renewals and renovations of
existing structures, provision of new control structures, field channels and drains
measuring devices and investments in upgraded O&M facilities and equipment
including housing for staff and transport and communication equipments as required to
execute the operational plan.
Initially 16 sub-projects, covering a CCA of 0.46 million hectares were included in the
projects of the 3 states. The Project was implemented in Tamilnadu in 7 irrigation
systems like Sathanur, Periyar, Vaigai, Manimuthar, Sethiathope, Chittar at a cost of
Rs.86.77 crores covering an extent of 0.22 Mha. Er. R.Sridharan was the chief engineer
and the period of execution was 7 years. The commissioner (water Management) of
Ministry of Water Resources closely monitored the project. Regarding a few subprojects he had analysed the results as below in 1996.
Increase in area Increase in Production tonnes per ha
SL.
No.

Scheme
Name

CCA

Cost
of

External Ayacut

Before
NWMP

NWMP

Original

Production Tonnes

After
IncreaseBefore After
NWMP

%
Increase

Tholudur

14.9

54.7

9500

13553

4053

9.00

10.30

14

Chittar

9.6

35.3

4578

11130

6552

4.50

7.50

67

Sethiathope

19.50

71.4

17890

18868

978

4.10

5.34

30

Cumbum

8.10

29.7

12068

13493

1425

8.90

9.34

Marudanadhi

2.70

9.8

976

1280

304

4.50

5.50

22

From the above the Commissioner had emphasised that this NWMP is a highly efficient
scheme requiring least cost with effective and close operation.

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149

CHAPTER NO.19 : TRAINING INSTITUTES

A). P.W.D Staff Training Institute
Established at 5 places of Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, and
Salem by G.O. Ms. No.492 dated 20-08-79
Director in the grade of Superintending Engineer was controlling from Trichy. All the five
centres were controlled by deputy directors in the grade of executive engineer who
were assisted by Assistant engineers and an office Lecturers were being Invited by
these executive engineer from the local colleges and PWD staff who were paid at the
rate of Rs.100 per hour Lunch and tea were also supplied to the trainees free. The
budget and overall administration was controlled by the chief engineer Buildings. The
sanction to continue was sanctioned in G.O.Ms.No.419 dated 29-08-02 and the training
centres at Salem and Coimbatore to be disbandoned in a phased manner. In 2009 the
Government were pleased to increase the remuneration of Rs.100 to Rs.500 per hour
and the modern facilities like Computer - Power-Point Projector supplied to them.
B) Publication of New Irrigation Era
New Irrigation Era was started in January 1950 and is publishing quarterly or half-yearly
according to material available. In the early years it was being published every month
and Ministers of PWD and Chief Engineers were publishing details of various schemes
sanctioned or in progress and recording many important events. The executive
engineer, Gauging is in charge of this publication and is now attached to Groundwater
wing. The Groundwater branch is also bringing out a new letter every Month since
1980.
C). Association of Engineers and of Assistant Engineers TNPWD
The Association was started in 1931 and was recognized by government in G.O. M.S
No.1701 dated 1936. It was founded by Er. M.K. Narambunathan Pillai. The Association
was permitted to publish a monthly bulletin by Government in their G.O. Ms.No. 126
dated 5-2-80 and it has been rendering yeoman service for welfare of the engineers.
D). Institute of Water Studies
It was sanctioned on 30-06-1975. A separate building was constructed at Tharamani,
Chennai and a full complement of officers was posted under the head of a chief
engineer. The institute was started with the aid of 2.74 million dollar from USAID. The
object of the institute was to collect all the hydrologic and meteorological data of various
nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

150

river basins in the state and record them and to analyses the potentials of each basin
against the actual ultilisation and to assess water-balances. The Institute has divided
the state into 17 river basins and is now engaged in preparing perspective-plans for
future development. It has prepared for almost all the basins during the last 3 decades
and published all the reports and maps for guidance of the water resources department.
E) Irrigation Management Training Institute
The Government felt that each system of irrigation should function more efficiently and
increase the output to match with the targeted goals. In addition to water, other
essential inputs like seeds and farmers rolls should also be improved by running
demonstration - farms and giving training to farmers in improved and modern
management practices. The USAID came forward to extend help and a Management
training institute was opened at Trichy as per G.O.No.Ms.252 dated 14-10-83. One
chief engineer irrigation was posted to head the institution and experts from other
agricultural field were also posted. Every year training classes are conducted to farmers
at Trichy and other centres of agricultural growth like Madurai, Tirunelveli etc. 48 such
classes were conducted in 2008-09 and 2144 in 2009-10 where totally 2800 farmers
were trained.

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151

CHAPTER NO.20 RURAL EMPLOYMENT GUARANTEE SCHEMES

1984-89

The Government of India embarked on an ambitious scheme to guarantee

employment to the rural unemployed persons and get some long - pending
irrigation schemes executed. The projects to be executed were selected by
the State Government and funds allotted every year by Government of
India. It also provided 50% for cost of labour and 50% for the materials to be
procured from local and prescribed that no machineries to be employed.
The scheme was sanctioned on 30.04.84 by the State Government and
launched in May 1984. 30 New subdivisions were sanctioned and these
were attached to regular division in the districts. The scheme was
implemented over 5 years upto 1989 and Rs.5 crores spent every year
Under this scheme irrigation schemes with low cost benefit ratio of over 200
in number which were investigated fully but not executed for want of funds
were pushed through.

2004-05

Government sanctioned Rs.108 crores in G.O.Ms.No.191/PWD/ dated 2205-03 from Rural Ministry and work was started from June 2003. The
scheme was centrally sponsored under the name of Sampoorna gram
Rozgar meant for benefiting drought prone areas. The Scheme approved
25% towards cash and 75% of rice for labourers. Under the scheme 1750
tanks were taken up and improved.

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152

CHAPTER - 21 : D.C.R. SCHEMES

The Tanks have been meeting 45% of the needs of irrigated area in the state by
surface water and they have been serving the farmers for over 1000 years since
periods of Chera, Chola, Pandya and Pallava Kings. Naturally they were getting
silted up and the farmers and Govt faced the problem of tanks losing their
capacities year after year. This prompted Government to take up some remedial
schems.
1925-26 British Govt. desilted 255 tanks but discontinued Er.U.Ananda Rao, Chief
Engineer studied the problem in depth and found out that removal of accumulated
silt is not possible or economical and suggested the scheme of partial desilting. This
novel proposal was to deepen the tank beds and remove the accumulated silt upto
50% and to throw this silt on the tank bunds and strengthen them. The balance
50% is to be made good by raising the F.T.L. by 30 cm and bringing the foreshore
lands under irrigation. This proposal was approved by the Govt. and
Er.K.V.Ekambaram initiated the scheme in Chenglepet, North Arcot, South Arcot
and Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai districts and Govt sanctioned scheme for 5
years and following amounts were spent on this scheme.
1956-57 -

6.60 lakhs

57-58 -

1.34 lakhs

58-59 -

9.3 lakhs

59-60 -

8.15 lakhs

60-61 -

9.35 lakhs

Total

34.83 lakhs

Expenditure in 2nd five year plan was Rs.51 crores benefiting 7 lakh acres which
yielded 2 lakh tones of food grains and 23600 tones of cotton. Theareafter
proposals for desilting tanks using machineries were taken up year after year.
1961 62 :

47 tanks were cleared in Chingleput and Rs.11.30 lakhs spent.

1971-72

31 Tanks were done making assured supply to 35759 acres and

bridging the gap of 674 acrs.

1973-74

20 works were completed benefitting 2652 acres spending

Rs.8.01 lakhs.

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 77-78

234 tanks were desilted.

79-80

3.37 lakhs spent

May 1982 :

Additional staff sanctioned for DCR and SMIP schems and

enhanced powers were given CEs-2, SE-1, EEs-4, AEE 28 and
AEs 112.

1996 97 :

Rs.1.20 lakhs for DCR schemes to create additional ayacut of

750 lakhs acres.

1998-99

Rs.895 lakhs spent so far on DCR scheme

2001-02

200 tanks were desilted starting from 1997 given by government

in 97-98, spent Rs.19.91 lakhs.

2003-04

Budget was 74.8 crores spent Rs.50 crores on desilting of

system and rain fed tanks.

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CHAPTER No.22 : SAND QUARRIES IN THE STATE

Building activity is an important industry in the state and forms one of the
3 fundamental necessities of mankind (Food, shelter and clothing). Sand is the main
ingredient for building industry and the builders have been availing of their needs
from leases duly authorized in each district by the district collector aided by
geological assistants and licences issued by revenue authorities like Deputy
Tahsildars. Though the irrigation engineers of the concerned river basin are
declared as conservators and they only attend to maintain them. They had no voice
in the quarrying of sand from these rivers and often, interests came to clash such
quarry licenses led to damages to irrigation structures which are fatal both for the
rivers and growth of food from river waters. During the decade of 1990-2000 the
building needs had reached peak heights and this led to the excavation of sand
from the rivers and assaults on authorities controlling the sand-licenses.
Consequently the Govt set up a committee of experts to study the impacts of sandquarries and as per their recommendations entrusted the responsibilities to the
water resources organization of PWD (Ms.No.95, dt.01.10.03). The water
authorities identified 239 locations with the help of the district collectors and started
selling of sand at the rate of Rs.1000 per one lorry load of 200 cft of sand and this
rate was reduced to Rs.600 from 19.06.04
About 170000 loads are being lifted per month at Rs.626 for 200 cft from 3.10.03.
Revenue collection is Rs.446.31 Lakhs. During 06.07 it was Rs.128.11 crores. The
rate and quantity was refixed at Rs.900 per 300 cft as per amendment of rule 38 of
Tamilnadu Mines and Minerals rules of 1959 from 25.08.08. At present (1909-10)
130 quarries have been approved by the district collectors. During 1908-09 revenue
was 129.58 crores and upto 31.5.09 total collection amounted to Rs.720.75 crores.

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CHAPTER NO.23 : KUDIMARAMATH AND DESILTING WATER COURSES

Before British period tanks were maintained by farmers. Due to fragmentation of
land holdings and negligence by land-lords, the maintenance declined. Tax was
collected at 4 to 5% of gross produce from the command area and it was called
Eriyam which was used for tank maintenance and rehabilitation. Due to invasions
from other dynasties, persons were appointed to collect this tax and they were
called Eriyam and each village managed maintenance works and this system was
called kudimaramath. During British period, the ryotwari settlement was introduced
and responsibility of common properties like rivers and tanks rested with the
Government. Revenue officers were not capable of maintaing works and therefore
engineers were employed. The first irrigation office created in 1880 was headed by
Superintendent of Tanks. Revenue collected from command - area lands was found
substantad and this prompted British to maintain the tanks, in proper order, and to
regulate this, they brought in a legislation called Madras Compulsory labour act
1958 which faced lot of difficulties and had to be scrapped by 1990s.
In 1947 after independence Govt had to intervene wherever repairs were taken up
to increase production in 167 channels which were desilted at Rs.3.75 lakhs. in
Cauvery delta this practice had to be continued in later years also, using manual
labour during the closure periods. Machineries were used in place of manual labour
for effective results from 1997 onwards in Cauvery delta. Statement giving the
length of rivers and channels in Cauvery delta is given below :

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Statement A
Channel
Name

Cauvery

Vennar

Total

Nos

Length
Km

Nos

Length
Km

Nos

Length
Km

A Class

922

323777

583

2316.67

1505

5554.44

B Class

5812

4721.96

3932

3992.60

9744

8714.20

C Class

5891

3149.20

5191

5060.73

3855

6209.93

D Class

2752

1273.66

2566

1349.38

5318

2623.91

E Class

914

359.50

1837

312.38

1751

671.88

F Class

279

114.62

178

47.18

457

162.80

G Class

24

11.4

24

11.41

Rivers

17

37

1600

22

300

20

Drains

Statement B gives the expenses in silt clearances in years 1944 to 2008.

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Statement B
Year

Rivers

Channels

Canals

Tanks

Cost in
Lakhs
Rs.

Remarks

Existing
(Delta)

1569 km

1100 km

784 km

1946-47

NA

167 Nos

NA

3.75

Manual
clearance

47-48

NA

120 Nos

NA

4.12

Manual
Clearance

48-49

196 Nos

4.02

-do-

50-51

174 Nos

4.89

-do-

96.97

615 km

231.00

40
Bull
dozers
employed

97-98

NA

NA

1000.00

Machineries
employed

98-99

NA

639 km

962.00

-do-

99-2000

472 km

1624 km

1816

13

5800.00

-do-

10002001

NA

NA

NA

5000.00

-do-

2007-08

NA

NA

NA

NA

4000.00

-do-

Desilting of channels is being done every year in the Cauvery Delta.

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Cauvery
Delta

CHAPTER NO.24 : CHENNAI CITY WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES

The Chennai city (Madras) being the capital of the state had considerable population
and PWD being the only construction agency was also looking after schemes to
agument drinking water supplies. The Cholavaram Tank was linked to Red Hills lake by
a channel 4 km long which is a part of the lower supply channel. Govt ordered
construction of anicut across Kosastalayar near Thamaraipakkam village about 1.8m
high and PWD constructed it and commissioned in 1872. Therefore Red Hills lake
started receiving flows from Kosastalayar besides its own catchments. No addition to
water supply was made until 1940 when Govt sanctioned barrage across Kosastalayar
near Poondy. Er. U.Ananda Rao was the engineer who constructed it. Its capacity was
77 Mm3 fixed with 3 metres high gates and from this reservoir Upper supply channel
was also excavated over a length of 13 km to meet the channel from Cholavaram. This
is a major addition to the city-water supply. In 1973 a separate head was provided in
Poondy reservoir to draw 100 cusecs to divert to Thamaraipakkam. The following are
the present capacity of the reservoirs supplying drinking water to Chennai city.
Poondy
Cholavaram
Red Hills
Chembarambakkam

-------------------------

Total

3231 Mcft
881 Mcft
3300 Mcft
3645 Mcft
-------11057 Mcft
-------

They were supplying nearly 14 TMC of water every year. All these reservoirs were
under maintenance of the PWD. Emergency gates were installed at Red Hills in 1953
instead of falling shutters.
Meanwhile the population of Chennai city had crossed 1.4 million and many industries
had grown in North Chennai especially Chennai. Petroleum Corporation (originally
MRL) which itself needed 4 Mgd. Railways required 3 Mgd and many other industries
like Madras Fertilizers and Sreeram Fibres. The C.P.C.L. refinery plant was built in
1975 and Er. K.D.Karambayya, a PWD Engineer (later Chief Engineer of PWD in
1970s) supervised its construction under Engineer Er. Brahmanandam. The entire
project was done under Turn-key contract.
The UNDP helped the PWD in investigation and identifying potential ground water
aquifers situated between Kosastalayar and Araniar basins Dr. S. Panchanathan was
the Director. The Phase 1 and 2 of this investigation identified 3 well fields at Minjur,
Panjetty and Thamaraipakkam. Trial wells were sunk and reports prepared. Totally 24
Mgd was estimated to be available. The Government ordered laying of the pipelines
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from the 2 fields of Minjur and Panjetty to supply 13 mgd of water to all industries in
Manali and neighbourhood. In 1974, Dr. Panchanathan was appointed as chief
engineer of the newly formed Ground-water wing of the PWD. The Ground Water
Department was administering this pipe-line system until 1978 when the Chennai
Metropolitan Water Supply and Drainage Board was formed. In 1978 the system was
transferred to the Board.
The Well field at Thamaraipakkam was developed to supply 11 Mgd and project was
sanctioned to Interconnect the wells and lead water over 34 km through R.C.C pipes of
600 mm diameter to Manali area from the well field. This is the first time that R.C.C
pipes were used over a long distance. Its sanctioned cost was Rs.210 lakhs. The
Scheme had 3 intermediate booster stations equipped with electric pumps designed
and erected by P.W.D workshop. Similar project was under execution for Thambaram
and Pallavaram areas where R.C.C pipes were found to crack and fail. Therefore
pressure-relief valves, air valves zero-pressure and scour valves were introduced and
Thamararpakkam was successfully commissioned and handed over to Metro-water
Board in 1979.
Due to spurt in population, the supply was very inadequate and Govt was examining
schemes for bringing water from Cauvery. After a study of hydrologic data it was
decided that one TMC could be drawn from Veeranam Tank by laying 2 numbers of
R.C.C pipelines of 1900 mm diameter and pumping from Veeranam lake after treating
the water at a filter plant located at Vadakuthu near Neyveli. The contract was awarded
in 1970 to M/s. Satyanarayana Bros who imported technology from Greek. The pipes
were of 1900 mm diameter of special precast RCC, manufactured and cured by
vacuum process which could be handled immediately after casting. The pipes were
manufactured at 2 factories located at Thirukalukundram and Panruti. Project was
manned by staff from the PWD under the supervision of Er. M.E. Hussain. The building
materials were supplied by the department. The manfacture and laying of pipes was the
responsibility of the contractor. After 2 years the manufacturing process got stopped
due to paucity of funds with the contractor and doubts which arose regarding the type of
joining arrangement of the pipe segments. A Committee headed by Dr. G.S.
Ramasamy, Director of S.E.R.C, Madras, examined the Greek Technology and opined
that it was not satisfactory. The project had to be abandoned in 1965 after
manufacturing 201 pipes and preparing the routes of the pipelines.
Though many proposals were under examination none was executed until 2004 when
the State Government took up the same Veeranam-Pipeline Scheme with aid from
World Bank and adopting steel pipes of 1750 mm diameter undeterred by lot of
criticism. Filter plant was located at Kadamaplayam and 250 km of pipelines were laid
and distribution system was built at Porur for supplying 180 Mgd. The project cost was
Rs.800 crores.
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A minor shallow well-field was identified by Ground water Department in 1970 adjoining
the old Mahabalipuram Road near Kelambakkam and this area was handed over to
Metro water who executed the scheme in 1975 and integrated it with the distribution
system.
The PWD was examining schemes of bringing water from Cauvery river as it would be
more reliable and controllable. The chief engineer irrigation Er. Manavalan had
investigated through the services of Er. Mohanakrishnan and evolved a scheme in 1980
to bring water through an open canal from Kattalai-bed-regulator. At the same time
Er. C.A. Srinivasan investigated a scheme to create a storage above Sathanur
Reservoir across Ponniar and then a scheme to extend Mettur Highlevel Canal and also
to run an open channel from Cauvery (near Pallipalayam) and to feed into Velachery
lake.
These
alternatives
were
discussed
with
the
Chief
Minister
(Thiru. M.G. Ramachandran) and Chief Secretary and it was ordered that the scheme
to run an open-canal from Kattalai could be taken up. An order was also issued to
implement it by appointing Er. Manavalan as special chief engineer. But it was not
pursued and implemented. The PWD reinvestigated the same scheme by a special
division in 1990 and evolved a scheme to bring 950 mld of water by pumping through
pipe-line 280 km long instead of open channel and the same could not be reopened. As
this alternative of bringing Cauvery water would ensure better control and realization,
the Metrowater have now settled a consultancy to explore scheme for Cauvery water.
In 1948 the Government sanctioned investigation of Krishna-Pennar Project which
encouraged construction of a storage across Krishna and excavating a canal south upto
Pennar River where also a reservoir would be created. This would be an irrigation canal
of over 1200 km long designed to carry 16000 cusecs and this canal was proposed to
be brought upto Poondy to augment supplies to Chennai city. Investigation was made
thoroughly, designed in detail and model studies conducted at I.R.S Poondy and
finalized in 1951. The investigation was conducted Er. T.P. Kuttiammu and
Er. Mahadevan under Er. N.Padamanbha Iyer who was the Superintending Engineer.
The project was opposed by politicians of Andhra Pradesh and they agitated for a
separate state which was formed in November 1953.
Scarcity of water in the city was becoming very acute. Khosla Committee had
recommended in 1951 that dependable scheme could be only from Krishna river. The
Prime Minister of India (Tmt. Indra Gandhi) conducted a meeting of Chief Ministers of 3
states of Maharashtra, AP and Karnataka and persuaded them to give 5 TMC each
from their shares to Tamilnadu. Agreement was signed in 1983. It was agreed that AP
would release 15 TMC through a project known as Telugu Ganga and that 12 TMC
would be entered into Tamilnadu every year. Meeting of Chief Ministers were held on
15-06-78, 19-08-82 at Hyderabad. Draft agreement was signed on 18-04-83. Total cost
of the project of Telugu Ganga canal was was estimated at Rs.1900 crores and Tamil
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Nadu released Rs.521 crores as its share and AP promised to release at first 3 TMC by
9/96 after holding a meeting on 18-07-86. 73.366 TMC was received upto 10-10-96.
Due to heavy rains Telugu Ganga breached at many places. After repairs water was
released on 26-06-97 and released 2.29 TMC. Meeting was held on 18-1197 for
arresting the leakages and Rs.44.21 crores was spent between 24-07-98 and 10-11-98,
and 2.837 TMC was realised. The estimate of Telugu Ganga Project was raised to
Rs.2311 crores and share of Tamilnadu was increased to Rs.634.40 crores.
The Sathya Sai Baba Trust lined and improved Telugu Ganga canal in the year 2004 to
2008 over 81 km at a cost of Rs.200 crores. Consequently realisation in Chennai got
appreciably increased.
The Canal in Tamilnadu reach called Krishna water - canal was 25.32km long and cost
was Rs.40.44 crores and one special circle with 4 divisions was created. Project was
started in 1984 and completed in 2000. In 2002, the length of 4 km got damaged due to
rains and Rs.71.88 lakhs spent to repair. Along with this canal, the F.R levels of Red
Hills was raised by 600 mm adding a capacity of 12.75 Mm3. FRL of
Chembarambakkam tank was raised by 600 mm adding a capacity of 14.85 Mm3. A
Link canal was cut between Sathymurthy Sagar and Chembarambakkam tank for
augmenting the storage capacity. All these works were done in 1981 at a cost of Rs59
crores.

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The quantities of water realized in various years though Krishna canal are given
below
Year

Realization

Year

Realization

96-97

0.076

06-07

5.183

97-98

2.29

05-06

2.09

98-99

2.81

04-05

2.718

00-01

6.68

03-04

0.21

01-02

0.40

06.07

5.183

Repairs to canal were completed by

19.9.08 and total quantity realized upto
2008-09 was 6.882 TMC
The Madhavaram Tank had lost its irrigation ayacut and industries have developed.
This tank has been handed over to Metrowater from 1996 by PWD for being used for
drinking water and a pump room had been built and pipeline laid to the Treatment plant
already erected in the Red Hills area.
The Metrowater have built 3 check-dams across Kosastalayar at Velliyur,
Jagannadhapuram and Melsembedu between 1991 and 1993 to improve the ground
water. PWD had constructed check-dam across Adayar near Nandambakkam in 2008
and one at Manapakkam was taken up in 2007 and completed in 2009 at a cost of
Rs.3.47 crores for improving the ground water level.
Out of Rs550 crores allocated towards artificial recharge of rivers and streams across
the state, nearly Rs.48 crores could be utilized by the WRO, Chennai Region, towards
providing check-dams to prevent run-off of rainwater into sea. 7 check dams are being
taken up from 2010 across Araniyar and one across Kosastalayar under this scheme
after studying maps of the area from remote sensing. They have already taken up
check dams across Cooum at Parutipaltu and Karapalayam at a total cost of Rs.1.33
crores.
There are irrigation tanks numbering about 29 lying in and around Chennai city. The
PWD have stopped maintaining them as their ayacut have got converted into residential
and industrial complexes. These water bodies hold potential to augument drinking water
supply and help Metrowater. With this in view, Metrowater got 20 tanks transferred to
their control in 2004 and invited tenders for consultancy for suggesting measures to
improve them. After receiving bids, Metrowater had since decided to hand over them
back to the PWD. Since an Act called Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and
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163

Encroachment Eviction Act of 2007 was enacted PWD department are evicting the
encroachments and restoring the tanks to standards. These tanks which have been
receiving 2 or 3 fillings from rains are found to be useful to the community. The list
includes Korattur, Ayambakkam, Nemilicherry, Thamabaran Puduthangal, Perungudi,
Velachery Pallavaram and Maduravoyal tanks, PWD have evited encroachments from
1729 tanks in the state upto 2010 throughout the state.
Two tanks to store excess water of Krishna water - canal were proposed at Ramanjeri
and Thirukkandalam and were considered but dropped due to resistance from villagers
whose lands would get affected. Similarly a dam across Adayar below
Chembarabakkam near Thiruneermalai was considered but dropped as it would affect
the road-traffic
2001

New Veeranam Project (II Stage) sanctioned in August 1993 for Rs464 crores to
supply 190 mld to city is proposed to be modified to cater to settlements and
towns in and around Veeranam.

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CHAPTER NO.25 : MARINE WORKS AND SETHUSAMUDRAM PROJECT

Er. John Cummins was the first chief engineer in charge of irrigation and marine works
during 1867-1870. During this time the Madras Port was started. PWD had been in
charge of the Madras Port in 19th century and after formation of Madras Port Trust, the
department had been developing marine works until 1950 when state port-office and
Fisheries department were formed and a special project circle for doing Fishing
Harbours from 1982.
The Madras Port was developed in 1881 and is reported to have made a profit of Rs.6
lakhs in 1933-34 and Rs.3 lakhs in 1934-35. Steps were taken to form Cochin Harbour
in collaboration with Government of India and Travancore Samasthanam.
1964

A separate division for marine works was formed with headquarters at

Cuddalore. Jetties were constructed and sand pumps installed to keep
channels for boat traffic cleared.

1964

The first R.C.C jetty was built near Keelakarai for landing the fish especially
conches.

1970

Quarters for about 50 fisherman were built at Ammapatnam. Thereafter

many building projects for fisherman were constructed by the PWD.

1978

An R.C.C jetty was built at Ammapatnam for fisheries department.

SETHUSAMUDRAM PROJECT
1964 December

A severe cyclone accompanied by heavy rain attacked.

Rameswaram island. Waves over 4m high had lashed. Rain washed
Danushkody town out of existence. A whole train coming towards
Danushkody plunged into the eroded coast and was lost along with
passengers. The Govt of India were persuaded by state leaders to
take some effective steps to give long-term relief to the people and
this ended in sanctioning of the Sethusamudram Project in principle.

As a follow-up measure a project circle was formed in May 1965 at Chennai with one
Superintending Engineer (Er. K.R.Ramasamy) and one project officer (Thiru. R.
Natarajan I.A.S) and one chief engineer of Er. R. Venkateswaran (Retired Chief
Engineer of Cochin port). A project division headed by one executive engineer
(Er. K. Ramalingam) was formed at Ramanathapuram and 2 sub divisions were formed
at Mandapam camp.

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The State Port officer had already studied the various alternative routes for the ship
canal and finalized one near Uchipuli in the main land and started collecting F.M.
sketches and preparing schedules for acquiring land for formahon of canal.
Meanwhile,Mr.T.T.Krishnamachari the Finance Minister at New Delhi had to resign due
to some misunderstandings and the project execution was asked to be converted into
detailed investigation of the scheme. Tide and wind observation were continued and
experiments to ascertain probable cost of excavation in land-portion were carried out.
Experiments for subsoil characteristics were carried both on land and under sea. One
powered-launch equipped with echo-sounder, current meters and other equipment and
complementary boats were purchased. Routes were marked inside sea by erecting
tripods with 35 mm diameter M.S. rods. As the alignment on mainland revealed coral
and soft-rock in certain boreholes, the exploration was shifted to Rameswaram Island
and the alignment finalized by Mr.Bristow in 1922 was traced and explorations repeated
until 1968 May Er. Venkateswaran chief engineer prepared a project report based on
these explorations for a cost of Rs.40 crores to cater to ships of 32 feet draft. The report
sent to Govt of India was not considered favourably. Calendar of further events are
given below :
1971

The Project was reviewed in 1971and cost updated to Rs.72 crores.

1975

As a follow up measure of Report of A Ramasamy Mudaliyar, the Tuticorin

Harbour was sanctioned leaving out Sethusamudram project and Er. Coil
Pillai who was appointed as chief engineer-cum-administrator of Tuticorin
assessed the probable cost at Rs.110 crores.

1981

Due to pressure from the shipping industry in Tuticorin and by Kanyakumari

M.P., a committee was set up in February 1981 with Thiru. H.R.
Lakshinarayanan, Development advisor to Ministry of shipping and transport
as chairman and 4 other members including Er. Coil Pillai, Retired Chief
Engineer, PWD on the demise of Mr. Coil Pillai, Er. P. Sivalingam, former
vice-chancellor of Anna university was appointed as a member. Public
hearings were conducted at Ramanathapuram, Madurai and Chennai for
collecting opinion of the people and politicians.

1983

The people and fishermen represented to shift the alignment finalised by

Er. Venkateswaran as it would obstruct the pilgrim traffic. A new alignment
near Kodandaramasamy temple was selected and explored. Tamilnadu
Govt sanctioned one subdivision for field work and exploration and
observation conducted. The results were supplied to Thiru.
Lakshinarayanan who gave report in 1983 for Rs,282 crores and declared

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166

that the scheme was technically feasible

Rs.453.30 crores at the end of 25th year.

forecasting

surplus

of

1995-96

The project was not sanctioned and the State Govt wanted to update the
scheme cost and benefits and entrusted the work with the Pallavan
Transport Consultancy services who submitted the report in March 1996 for
a value of Rs.685 crores (for 30 feet draft) Rs.760 crores (for 31 feet draft)
and Rs1200 crores (for 35 feet draft ). The report was sent to Govt of India
and was not considered.

1997

A seminar was conducted by the Institution of Engineers at Madurai and the

minister for shipping was requested to take up the scheme very early and
ministry thereupon sent the report to NEERI centre at Nagpur for giving
environmental clearance. After this, the Tuticorin Port started handling the
project instead of the State Government.

1998

NEERI cleared the project for execution in stages but suggested that the
alignment to be shifted towards east cutting the Adams bridge instead of
land.

2002-04

Detailed bathymetric and Geophysical surveys were conducted by NIOT

and L & T Ramboll consulting engineer and alignment finalized. The overall
length of 1522 m. The project cost for drafts of 9.15 metre came to
Rs.1050 crores.

2004

The project was sanctioned and dredging was started and almost
completed in the Bay of Bengal. At this time PIL was filed in the Supreme
Court to stop the project as it would remove the Adams Bridge considered
sacred as a bridge built by Sri Rama of ancient yore. Supreme Court
directed the Government to explore alternate alignment.

2010

Ministry of Shipping has nominated the National Institute of Oceanography

(NIOT) to carry out environmental impact assessment for the new alignment
being finalized by an expert committee chaired by R.K. Pachauri appointed
by the Supreme Court. The project will be continued only after these studies
are concluded and cleared.

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167

CHAPTER NO.26 : RIVER PUMPING SCHEMES ND TUBE WELL CORPORATION

A. There are 166000 dug wells (private) 16000 tubewells giving irrigation facilities to
14.5 lakhs hectares. The ground water gets sustained mainly from the drawal of
water in Cauvery delta and after the on-set of monsoon rains. In Palar basin, ground
water is built up by spring channels during N.E. monsoon and in North Arcot District
there are 12 lakhs wells. Tubewells are widely prevalent in Coimbatore district and
Cumbum valley. All the wells are privately owned.
1951-55

Under scheme known as Filter Point Tubewells Scheme. 525 filter point
wells were sunk meeting the irrigation needs in the off-season.

1958-60

A lift-irrigation scheme in 2 stages to cultivate 1500 acres through 120 M.I

tanks was taken up at Vilathumar in Vennar Basin and was inaugurated in
1960.

1965-1990 The following lift irrigation schemes were executed in Vennar river basin.
Details are given below:Sl.No.

Name

Year

Ayacut acres

Pump HP

Nos

Magar

1978

400

20

Thullaurlagam

1974

551

20

Melaththondalekadu

1970

337

25

Villangadu(Rs.1.70Lakhs)

1975

440

20

Karayankadu

1990

379

25

Keelathondalakkadrai(Rs.2.80Lakhs)

1977

700

25

Korkarthalalkadu (Rs.1.40Lakhs)

1972

740

20

Sekal

1957

397

35

Pamanimuthar (Rs.3 Lakhs)

1962

740

30

10

Moovanallur

1978

657

40

11

Thenpathi Thalayamangalam

1984

560

50

12

Karpaganathandalam

1973

350

35

13

Valavanar

1962

1970

35

14

Vanduvanchery

1986

455

20

15

Ayakarambalam

1956

758

20

16

Thennadar

1962

1040

20

17

Manakondanar (Rs.1.87 lakhs)

1973

450

20

18

Thagattur

1951

1339

35

19

Umbalachery

1974

300

20

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168

20

Aymoor I

1957

717

30

21

Aymoor 2 (Rs.1.75 lakhs)

1970

500

40

22

Oradiambalan (Rs.7.00 lakhs)

1979

573

20

23

Vilunhamavadi (4.42 lakhs)

1965

1611

20

24

Velankanni (6 lakhs)

1965

1264

20

During 1969-1990 The following schemes were executed in Thanjavur District :SL.No.

Name

Year

Ayacut acres

Pump HP

Nos

Arasapttu

1980

700

40

Chinnaparuthu Kottai

1989

331

25

Okkanadu Keelayur

1969

2200

110

Poyyunda Kundragadu

1990

455

20

Kollukkadu

1982

664

20

B. Tamilnadu Tubewell Coporation

1982-88

TN Tubewell Corporation was incorporated as a company with authorized

capital of Rs.3crores on 19-03-82. Er. K. Ramalingam was the Managing
Director and Mr.Chinnasamy MLA of Karur was the chairman. 3 regional
units were established at Chennai, Villupuram and Trichy. TAHDCO which
was formed at Villupuram for Adi-dravidar welfare, came forward to give
funds for sinking tubewells for cultivating 5 to 10 hectares each and helping
marginal Adi-dravidar farmers to cultivate crops in each village. The
Ground-water department was giving required data on water-availability and
to drill wells. The Agricultural Engineering department was also lending their
drilling and other equipments. 41 tubewells were sunk in 1984-85 spending
Rs.24.94 lakhs. The expenses were shared between THADCO and
beneficiaries in equal ratio. 33 irrigation source societies were formed to
cultivate 576 acres and benefiting 599 families.

1982

Thiru. Selvam Deputy collector from Revenue Department took charge as

Managing Director. By March 86, 125 tube wells were constructed spending
Rs.81.73 lakhs. Delay was experienced due to want of access roads to the
well-sites and land-holdings. A grant of Rs.116 lakhs was received and 3
drillings rigs were purchased.

1985-86

342 wells were sunk and Rs.78.18 lakhs spent Vellalapatti river-pumping
schemes was executed benefiting 181.62 acres at a cost of Rs.35.87lakhs.

1986-87

Tube well schemes were executed for Rs.27 lakhs.

1987-88

executed drought-amelioration schemes to provide drinking water. The nonofficial chairman was replaced by the Secretary, P.W.D from 1988. Provided

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169

drinking water facilities at 150 noon-meal centres at a cost of Rs.12 lakhs

under MAPP. 21 borewells were built in Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar
district (Sivagangai) at a cost of Rs.6.24 lakhs.
The Corporation was wound up in 1988 as further scope was getting scarce. All the
river-pumping schemes could not function due to lapses in maintenance by the
beneficiaries.
C. Tube Well Development in private and Public Sector
See the statement given below, it may be seen that Government tube wells increased
substantially after 1968-69 and is continuing at about the same number of about 4000
wells whereas, the private tube wells increased enormously from the year 1983-83 and
are increasing at the rate of 10% every year. At present there are 160000 tube wells in
private sector. In total there are nearly 162000 tube wells irrigating lands in the state.
Year

Govt
Tubewells

Private
Tubewells

Total

Govt
Tubewells

Private
Tubewells

Total

1950-51

1975-76

2847

2083

4930

1951-52

1976-77

1901

5243

7144

1952-53

1977-78

3448

4247

7695

1953-54

674

877

1551

1978-79

3458

4219

7677

1954-55

786

916

1702

1979-80

3422

4665

8087

1955-56

790

1154

1944

1980-81

3510

4234

7744

1956-57

790

1007

1797

1981-82

3516

4199

7715

1957-58

778

1156

1934

1982-83

4264

57214

61478

1958-59

849

1339

2138

1983-84

4216

58841

63057

1959-60

730

1012

1742

1984-85

4316

54435

58751

1960-61

695

944

1639

1985-86

4295

58608

62903

1961-62

652

1022

1674

1986-87

4079

67816

71895

1962-63

653

1538

2191

1987-88

4087

78055

82142

1963-64

900

1877

2777

1988-89

4521

82094

86615

1964-65

884

1942

2826

1989-90

4529

81947

86476

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Year

170

Year

Govt
Tubewells

Private
Tubewells

Total

Year

Govt
Tubewells

Private
Tubewells

Total

1965-66

1354

449

1803

1990-91

3163

86584

89747

1966-67

1765

167

1942

1991-92

3716

94949

98665

1967-68

1870

167

2037

1992-93

3951

104391

108342

1968-69

4075

174

4249

1993-94

3934

105762

109696

1969-70

4836

868

5704

1994-95

3444

120769

124213

1970-71

3730

756

4486

1995-96

3240

134076

137316

1971-72

24129

788

24917

1996-97

2513

15968

18481

1972-73

18076

1265

19341

1997-98

2312

143132

145444

1973-74

17602

536

18138

1998-99

1978

148326

150304

1974-75

4156

1418

5574

1999-2000

1979

160636

162615

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171

CHAPTER NO.27 : GROUND WATER AND HYDROLOGIC STUDIES

The ground water is an important source for irrigation and drinking and for industries.
The present contribution to the state is through 1581824 dug wells and 38800
tubewells. Irrigation is taking place over 6.24 lakhs hectares
1966-70

UNDP gave assistance to the State Government team to explore G.W

potentials in Kosastalayar and Araniyar basins, Palar, Neyveli, Panruti and
also Cauvery basin. The satellite images of the entire state were received
and studied. Dr. S. Panchanathan was the director of explorations and he
was helped by Executive Engineer and geologists and geophyrsicists.
There were 3 experts from US who guided the explorations. The project
identified 3 well fields at Panjetty Minjur and Thamaraipakkam where totally
24 mgd was evaluated as available.

1970-1974 After explorations were completed, the team was converted into Ground
water Directorate and they executed the projects of drilling tube wells in
Panjetty and Minjur areas and laying pipes and bringing 13 Mgd of water to
Madras area for distribution of water to industries like Railways, M.R.L,
M.F.L. and other industries.
05-08-74

The Government upgraded the organization into a full-fledged department

and post of director was upgraded as chief engineer and it became a part of
the PWD.

1977

The Panjetty and Minjur well-fields were handed over to Metrowater.

1978

The Scheme for a 34 Km long pipeline collecting 11 Mgd ground water from
about 30 wells in Thamaraipakkam belt of Kosastalayar area was handed
over to Metrowater for distribution to industries.

1975

Collector - well and infiltration gallery were laid in Palar river-bed near
Panankattuchery and scheme to supply 3 Mgd of water to Madras Atomic
Power Plant at Kalpakkam was put into operation (Rs.90lakhs). The
capacity was enhanced to 5 Mgd from 1990 onwards by laying
supplemental pipelines. A scheme to supply 1 Mgd to supply water
Maramalainagar was executed. A similar project to supply 3 Mgd of water to
B.H.E.L plant was completed near Katpady by putting infiltration gallery in
Palar river-bed and an intake-tower.

1975 to 2000 The following activities were carried out

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1) Meteorological observatories were installed at 21 stations and systematic data

collected on meteorological DATA Pan-evaporation, light intensity wet and dry bulb
temperatures.
2) Drilling for exploratory bore-wells-An annual target was fixed for every year and
drillings conducted in hard-rock and sedimentary areas in state and pump test
conducted. The successful wells were handed over to the near-by Panchayat for
their use.
3) Monitoring water wells- Nearly 2100 wells both dug and tube wells were selected. At
about 1700 nos, automatic digital water level recorders were installed. Observations
were being documented in the first week of every month. The water level contours
were drawn for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods.
4) Water quality study was carried out from 3400 water samples collected from various
sources and tested. Qualitity contours were drawn for every 6 months and
particulars supplied to various professional bodies on request.
5) Rainfall data collected from 400 R F stations throughout the state and Isohyetal
maps were prepared every half-year.
6) Depth probe study was being conducted based on Govt of India sheets at every
definite intervals of spare and sub-soil particulars established.
7) Village-wise studies were made on the basis of power-consumed from the wells in
the village and intensity of consumption was determined throughout the state.
8) Land-use-maps were prepared for every taluk based on the particulars collected
from satellite imageries.
9) Consultancy on water divining was extended to public at a nominal charge of
Rs.200 per point and charge was increased by government in the order 1415 dated
01-10-93 to Rs.500.
10) Based on specific norms, fixed by the Groundwater resources estimate Committee
constituted by Government of India, the assessment of the groundwater potential
being carried out for all 385 blocks in the state on Mini-watershed basis in order to
utilize the study in various schemes / projects effectively and also to assess the
surface water and groundwater potential for better planning. From the macro-level
studies conducted between 1970-80, (1992 norms) 209 blocks were found to be
white, 86 grey and 89 dark.
1975 to 1980 The entire stretch of coastal belt was analyzed for study of sea-water
intrusion. In Minjur well-fields, the interface of sea-water and fresh-water
was found to have moved from 3.2km (1978) to 16km (2000). Constant

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observations are being made and efforts taken to contain further

intrusion.
1978-80

Conjunctive use of ground and surface water was studied in a part ayacut of
Krishnagiri Reservoir and recommendations given by digging 50 extra wells
so that irrigation ayacut can be extended over 50% of area and yield also
increased.

1983-85

PWD had constructed 2 check dams about 1.8 m high across 2 arms of
kosastalayar near Sadayankuppam to arrest further ingress of sea-water in
response to complaints of the farmers in the area. Northern bed dam had
collapsed in the year 1995 and PWD have not repaired.

1991-93

Metrowater had constructed 3 check-dams across Kosastalayar at Velliyur

Jagannadapuram and Melsembedu for sustaining ground-water. But drawl
from Panjetty and Thamaraipakkam well-field has come down to 3 mgd
from the expected level of 15 mgd and check-dams have not served any
purpose. Two check dams across Adayar had been completed in 2008
near Karapakkam and
Nandambakkam at a cost Rs.3.47lakhs for
improving ground water.

2002

G.W department have built a subsurface submerged concrete barrier across

Palar below Panankattuchery for a length of 1.50 Km in 2002 at a cost of
Rs.2 crores adopting an Innovative design evolved by Er.A.Veerappan, then
Jt. CE (GW) at an estimated cost of Rs.20 Crores observations of wells are
reported to be showing improvement in ground-water level. The
Government had promulgated an act making every householder to harvest
rain-water over his house. This is reported to have considerably sustained
the ground-water level.

2003-04

Government of India have come forward to fund a scheme for artificial

recharge and state have sent a project to state-level coordination committee
for approval. Government have brought a legislation called Ground water
(D&M) Act 2003 prohibiting public from constructing bore-wells without
getting clearance from the proposed Regulatory Body rules are yet to be
followed

2008-09

Artificial recharge of modernization sanctioned for Rs.42.91 crores for 100

nos. 9 nos are in progress in 09-10 and balance 6 be dropped. Artificial
recharge through dug-wells have been sanctioned for 232 blocks by
Government of India in critical, semi-critical and overexploited areas for 3
years in 28 districts except Nilgiris, Kanyakumari Chennai and Ariyalur.
Farmers having upto 5 acres are to be benefited by 100% subsidy upto

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174

Rs.4000. Others are eligible for 50% subsidy. So far 33802 wells were
approved by State Level Steering Committee and 11452 were constructed.
2003

To stop indiscriminate exploitation of groundwater and to bring it under control,

an ordinance had been issued called The Tamilnadu Groundwater
(Development and Management) ordinance 2003 and it has been converted into
an Act. Copy of the Act is enclosed.

CONSTITUTION OF GROUND WATER REGULATORY COMMITTEE

Ground water Regulatory committee for the development and management of Ground
Water in Tamilnadu has been reconstituted in G.O. Ms.No.340 dated 12.07.2000
World Bank aided Hydrology Project No.2 had been sanctioned in 2008-07 for Rs.25.27
crores for observations of quantity of surface and groundwater and to develop
supporting data for projects in Tambiraparani, Vaippar and Agniar and to pursue
purpose-driven studies and address specific hydrologic problems.
Tamil Nadu Ordinance No.1 of 2003
Extract from : The Tamil Nadu Groundwater (Development and Management) Act
2003.
CHAPTER I : Preliminary
1.1.

This Ordinance may be called the Tamil Nadu Groundwater (Development

and Management) Ordinance, 2003.

1.2.

It extends to the whole of the State of Tamil Nadu except the areas to which the
Chennai Metropolitan Area Groundwater (Regulation) Act, 1987 extends.

1.3.

domestic purpose, in relation to a well, means extraction of ground water from

such well for the purpose of drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, livestock or
sanitary, by using manual, mechanical or electrical device not exceeding one
horse power;

1.4.

user of groundwater means a person or an institution including a company or

any establishment, whether Government or otherwise, who or which uses
groundwater for any purpose, other than domestic purpose, either on a
personal or community basis;

1.5.

well means a well sunk for search or extraction of groundwater and includes
an open well, dug well bore well, dug-cum-bore well, tube well, filter point,
collection well or infiltration gallery, but does not include a well sunk by the
Government or Central Government for carrying out scientific investigation,
exploration, development or management work for the survey and assessment
of groundwater resources or a well sunk by a small or marginal farmer.

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175

CHAPTER II : GROUNDWATER DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT

3.2

The Authority shall have power to direct and regulate the Development and
Management of groundwater resources in the State consistent with, conserving
it and ensuring its optimal and efficient utilization.

3.6

The Authority may, in the manner prescribed, lay down or adopt standards for
quality of water, depending on the kinds of water use. In doing so it shall pay
regard to the standards evolved by institutions either statutorily empowered or
technically competent to do so.

CHAPTER III: TAMIL NADU GROUNDWATER AUTHORITY AND ITS FUNCTIONS

7.3

The Authority shall consist of the following members nominated by the

Government, namely:

a.

an officer of the Government, in such rank as may be prescribed, who shall

also be the Chairman;

b.

two representatives of different departments, concerned with groundwater

exploration;

c.

one person having special knowledge or practical experience in matters

relating to groundwater;

d.

one full time technical officer in the rank of Chief Engineer, Public Works
Department, who shall also be the Member-Secretary.

7.4.

The term of office, the manner of filling the vacancies and other conditions
of service of non-official members of the Authority shall be such as may be
prescribed.

8.1

The Government shall, for the purpose of enabling the Authority to

efficiently perform its functions or to exercise its powers under this
Ordinance, appoint such number of technical and other employees, as they
may consider necessary.

9.1.

If in the opinion of the Authority, it is in the public interest to notify any area
for developing groundwater or to regulate the extraction or use, or both of
groundwater in any form, in such area, it may subject to the provisions of
sub-section (2), from time to time, by notification, declare such area to be a
notified area with effect on and from such date as may be specified therein.

10.1

Every user of groundwater in the notified area immediately before the date
of publication of the final notification under section 9 in respect of that area
shall, within a period of forty-five days from the date specified in such
notification, apply to the Authority, in such form and in such manner as may
be prescribed for the grant of a certificate of registration:

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10.2

On receipt of an application under sub-section (1), if the Authority is

satisfied that it will not be against public interest to do so, may grant, subject
to such conditions and restrictions as may be specified, a certificate of
registration authorizing the use of groundwater.

10.3

The Authority may on its own motion, take steps to register the wells
existing and in use on the notified date.

11.1

No person shall, either himself or through any person on his behalf, engage
in sinking any well or any other activity connected therewith in any notified
area without obtaining a permit:
Provided that this sub-section shall not apply for sinking of well or extraction
or use of groundwater for domestic purpose.

11.2

Any person desiring to sink a well in a notified area, for any purpose other
than domestic purpose, shall apply to the Authority in such form and in
such manner together with such fee as may be prescribed for the grant of a
permit.

12.1

All the wells sunk in the State on or after the date of commencement of this
Ordinance shall be registered, including the wells in the areas not notified
under section 9, with the Authority in such manner as may be prescribed.

13.1

No Person shall transport groundwater by means of lorry, trailer or any

other motor vehicle from any notified area for any purpose without obtaining
a permit under sub-section (3).

14.1

No person, either himself or through any person on his behalf, shall, after
expiry of a period of thirty days from the date of commencement of this
Ordinance carry on the business of sinking of well or extraction of
groundwater or any activity connected therewith, by drilling or boring, in any
notified area without obtaining a licence.

14.2

Any Person desiring to carry on the business of sinking of well shall apply to
the Authority in such form and in such manner together with such fee as
may be prescribed for the grant of a permit.

16.

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Electricity Act, 1910, any

licensee or the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board shall not supply electrical
energy for energizing.

16(a)

any well sunk in contravention of the provisions of this Ordinance or the

rules made thereunder; or

16(b)

any source of groundwater in respect of which certificate of registration has

not been granted in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance or
having been granted, the certificate of registration has been cancelled;

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177

CHAPTER IV : OFFENCES AND PENALTIES.

22(a)

contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Ordinance

or any rules made there under; or

22(b)

sinks well in notified area without a permit; or

22(d)

fails to comply with the requisition made under the provisions of this
Ordinance;

22(f)

he shall be punishable.

i.

for the first offence, with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees;

ii.

for the second and subsequent offences, with fine which may extend to two
thousand rupees; and

iii.

in respect of continuing contravention of the provisions of section 13, he

shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees for
every day during which such contravention continues.

25.

No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the

Government or the Authority or any officer or employee in respect of
anything which is done in good faith or intended to be done in pursuance of
this Ordinance.

26.

No order passed, decision or action taken or direction issued under this

Ordinance or the rules made under this Ordinance shall be called in
question in any civil court and no injunction shall be granted by an court in
respect of any action taken or to be taken but the Government or the
Authority or any officer or employee in pursuance or any power conferred
under this Ordinance.
For Governor of Tamil Nadu.

WORLD BANK AIDED HYDROLOGY PROJECT FOR TAMILNADU (Cr. TN-2774-IN)

IS GIVEN BELOW
The World Bank has come forward to assist five Government of India agencies and
eight State Governments including Tamilnadu in the formulation and execution of the
Hydrology Project. This project is intended to assist the Government of India Agencies
and participating States in the development of scientific data pertaining to all aspects of
hydrological cycle including surface water and Ground water component in terms of
quality and quantity. The project period is for 6 years from 1995-96 to 2001-2002 and
the estimated cost of the project is Rs.38.647 crores.
In Tamil Nadu, the Project was implemented at a cost of Rs.38.647 crores and
necessary Administrative sanction was accorded in G.O. (Ms) No.144/PWD dt.20.021996. Subsequently the project cost was enhanced to Rs.53.00 Crores during 2001
through efforts of Er. A.Veerappan, then Jt. CE (GW).
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178

BACK GROUND AND PRESENT SITUATION :

Since the mid 19th century, development of surface water in India has been led by need
to create large public sector irrigation schemes to secure and increase food supplies to
support the growing population. Thus, surface water measurement sites were located
originally for project planning and design purposes, and measurements were often
discontinued after this short-term objective has been achieved.
The early interest in surface water hydrometry was concerned almost entirely with water
quantity. Water quality was determined through limited observations. But the
information generated is inadequate, particularly with regard to water quality data in
respect of present needs of pollution control and environmental protection.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO SURFACE WATER OBSERVATION SYSTEM
The participating state under Hydrology project will upgrade the existing stations by
providing additional equipments such as automatic water - level recorders, various
types of current meters, digital counters of current meters, echo sounders for depth
measurements. The equipments include a variety of cableways and boat sets for
current meter gauging. Provisions are made for suspended and bed load sampling
packages, and for upgrading of existing and creation of new sediment sampling
laboratories.
IMPROVEMENT TO GROUND WATER OBSERVATION SYSTEM
The observation points are predominantly hand-dug. Open wells which are not owned
by Ground Water wing of PWD. With the exception of a few small areas, the networks
are designed to monitor the aquifer system which provide by for the greatest proportion
of the Ground water used for irrigation, which in turn uses more than 90% of the Ground
Water abstract. Water levels in wells are measured manually once in a month. The
project provides agency-owned purpose - built observation tube - wells in the networks
along with installation of Automatic Water - Level Recorders as practical propositions.
SURFACE WATER AND GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING
Water quality monitoring has received somewhat limited attention in India. However, it
is now recognized that industrialization and urbanization process and the use of
fertilizers and pesticides in Agriculture sector, contribute to the deterioration of water
resources, and that water quality monitoring must be undertaken seriously to provide a
firm basis for development planning and the imposition of remedial measures.
So, regular monitoring is required to assess the suitability of water in quality terms of
various functional uses, and to initiate specific pollution control measures as required.

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179

METEOROLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
Systematic observation of rainfall has a long history in India because these climatic
variables impact so broadly on the economy. The Indian Meteorological Department is
a Central Government agency and is organized exclusively to provide the fullest range
of meteorological services to the Nation. The State Irrigation Agencies require rainfall
and climatic data for developing rainfall-runoff relationship in river basins and for design
and operation of irrigation systems, and have commonly supplemented other sources of
information with their own networks of rainfall and climatic stations.
The project will upgrade and repair the existing facilities at rainfall and climatic stations
and expand the networks of the Surface water Irrigation agencies in the participating
states.
The World Bank is reimbursing the expenditure as detailed below :
*

Civil Works

80% of the expenditure incurred

Goods

100% on foreign expenditure or

100% of Ex-factory cost or
80% of cost of goods if purchased locally.

Consultancy, training 100% and studies

Incremental Staff

90% until March 31,1999.

Salaries, incremental

75% until March 31,2000

O&M cost.

50% thereafter.

ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER THE W.B. AIDED HYDROLOGY PROJECT

SURFACE WATER
All the Civil works pertaining to Hydrological, Hydrometeorological stations have been
completed, equipments installed and are operational.
All the buildings (Level I buildings, level I Labs. Hydrology Division, Sub-divisions,
Section Office buildings site Equipments Stores) have been completed and operational.
GROUNDWATER:
All the bore wells have been constructed and equipments installed and made
operational.
All the Geochemical Laboratory buildings have been established and are operational
with the effort of Er.A.Veerappan, then Spl. CE (GW) 13 Residential Quarters for 13
Executive Engineers of Groundwater Department were also constructed in a record
time of 10 months during 2001-2002.
The integrated Data Centre has been constructed, completed and occupied in 2001
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180

Financial Achievements: (in Lakhs)

Year

SAR Target

1995-96

891.630

53.510

1996-67

1013.650

179.470

1997-98

753.590

625.000

1998-99

380.320

1086.130

1999-2000

343.660

798.410

2000-2001

481.820

84.230 (upto June 2000)

3864.70

826.750

Total

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Actual Expenditure in Lakhs

181

FINANCIAL ACHIEVEMENTS:
II.

Out of total grant of Rs.38.647 crores an amount of Rs.27.42 crores have so

far been spent upto 31.3.2000 from the inception of the project on Civil
works, equipments vehicles, training buildings etc.

III.

During 2000-2001 fiscal year Rs.1.05 crores has been spent on Civil Works,
equipments etc. Out of Rs.9.36 crores allotted. Bids have been invited to
the tune of Rs.3.50 crores and will be finalized before the end of August
2000.

IV.

Buildings 5 Nos (4 Divisions and one Circle Office) at a value of Rs.2.0

crores & 13 EE quarters @ Rs.5.00 Crores are completed by March 2002.

V.

Entire grant was spent before the end of Financial Year 2001-2002.

RECENT R&D ACTIVITIES

I.

Real-time Flood Forecasting in Tambiraparani basin in Tamilnadu. Est.

Rs.42.5 lakhs. Consultancy for the study was finalised. Review and NOC
from World Bank was obtained & completed.

II.

Return-flow study in Periyar Vaigai basin Est. Rs.50 lakhs. In house

consultancy study entrusted to IHH Poondi. Civil construction works for
measuring devices and drilling borewells were completed by Executive
Engineer, Hyrology Division, Madurai.

III.

Reservoir sedimentation surveys in major & medium reservoirs of

Tamilnadu Est. Rs.81.50 lakhs. Procurement of instruments required for
Bathymetric survey entrusted with the Govt. of Gujarat under centralized
procurement. Sedimentation survey work was taken up by Director, IHH
Poondi.

IV.

Discharge characteristics of unconventional weirs Est. Rs.50 lakhs. Study

on the discharge characteristic of unconventional weirs are under progress
by the Director, IHH, Poondi.

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182

CHAPTER NO.28

INTERLINKING RIVERS

In 1950, the composite Madras Presidency of which Tamilnadu formed a part, had a
water potential of about 6000 TMC. But the reorgainsation of states on linguistic basis
has left Tamilnadu with a meager potential of 1260 TMC. The all India average waterpotential per capita is about 0.09 Mcft. While that of Tamilnadu is 0.026 Mcft which is
second lowest among the states in the country next only to Rajastan even though the
state can boast as one of the best irrigated state. The minimum per-capita need for
comfortable living is 0.035 Mcft. The surface water-potential is almost fully exploited in
Tamilnadu and there is no scope of any new major river-valley projects. GOI had
initiated the following steps to help equitable distribution over the Country.
1972

The National water grid prepared by Central Water Commission comprised

three possible alignments for Ganga-Cauvery link along with other links.
Further studies were made by Dr. K.L. Rao who advocated another link
connecting Brahmapurtera with Ganga. Captain Dastur prepared another
proposal known as Garland Canal.

1980

After study of these proposals, Ministry of Irrigation and CWC prepared a

National Perspective Plan comprising of 2 components of (a) Himalayan
component (14 links) and (b) The Peninsular River component (16 links).
The World Bank was appraised in 1982 for finding the NWMP. A water
management cell was established in Ministry of Irrigation in 1984 to
provide policy direction and W.B. had come forward to explore potential in
some selected states.

Development and maintenance of irrigation systems being the respondability of State

Governments, states were asked to participate and in 1985 proposal met with favorable
response. Government of India decided to instruct detailed preparation in 3 states of
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamilnadu and if it was successful, same would be
extended to other states.

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1982

One Unit National Water Development Agency under CE was established at

Hyderabad with branches at Chennai and other centres.

1987

Country evolved National Water Policy accepting inter-basin transfer of

water to relieve drought. NWDA evolved project connecting River Ganga (at
Patna) to Pochampad across Godavari and then Alamatti and Penniar river
and finaly entering Cauvery at Hogenakkal. Other links were between (a)
Hogenakkal and Poondy (b) Hogenakkal to Kalttalai Bed regulator and (c)
Kattalai bed regulator to Gundar and Vaippar and (d) Pamba and Achankoll
to be diverted into Vaippar to benefit the district of Virudhunagar, Sivaganga
Ramnad and Thiruneliveli. It was priced at Rs.50000 crores benefiting 3.25
crores acres at a cost of Rs.16000 per acre which can be collected as
betterment tax.

2000-01

NWDA evolved detailed plan for Pamba-Achankoil diversion. PandyarPunnapuzha scheme being pursued by state with Kerala for generation of
power and to use tail - end water for irrigation.

2004-2005

Proposals of NWDA to divert 22 TMC of surplus water from Pamba

Achankoil and to develop 800 MW of power is rejected by Kerala saying
no studies had been made of the surplus and that by 2051 no surplus is
likely. NWDA and Kerala agree to assess the availability jointly.

2005-2006

Kerala State not favouring the diversion scheme from PambaAchankoil.

2006-2007

Proposals for linking Tambraparani with Nambyar at a cost of Rs.189

crores and linking Ponnayar and Cheyyar at cost of Rs.174 crores sent
to Government of India. Chief Minister of Tamilnadu had addressed
Prime Minister in 05-09-06 and year in 25-09-07 to treat the schemes
under priority.
Map showing schemes proposed under National Interlinking of rivers is
enclosed.

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CHAPTER NO.29 : ANTI SEA-EROSION WORKS AND ROYAPURAM BEACH

Tamil Nadu coast is 958 km long and is 372 km long along Bay of Bengal (Coromandel)
280 km along Palk Bay, 246 km along Gulf of Mannar and 60 km along Arabian Sea.
The report dated 06-09-1980 on inspection of sites of Costal erosion by Beach Erosion
Board gives the details of the coast. The entire coast line is fragile and has been
undergoing erosion year after year. The famous story of old Kaveripoompattinam which
is reported to have got sub - merged after Sangam age (2000 years ago) confirms this
belief. Along the western coast (along Arabian Sea), the Kerala-State coast is a pointer
where largescale erosions have been posing threats to the fishing villages from Cochin
upto the Trivandrum. The Kerala state have been spending over Rs.5 crores every year
during the last 5 decades especially at villages like Kovalam, Kanakkulam, Nandakara,
Paravoor, Pozhu and Aghikara. They had studied the extensive experiences in U.S.
and evolved a type design of Random-rubble wall for protecting the shore. Their
experience on Groyne-type walls was unfavorable as it led to erosion beyond the
northern groyne as the coast is subject to littoral drifts from South to North. T. N. state
were also feeling such problems as can be seen from the following cases.
1942-82

Ranganathar Temple at Mahabalipuram was getting attacked by sea

erosion and wave-splash. A semi-circular ring-wall was constructed and
revetment placed on either sides. Yearly replenishment of stones was
continued. One L-shaped breakwater 180 meter long was constructed in
March 1978. The shore on the north side of this protection had come under
erosion. In the N.E. monsoon accretion takes place on the northern side
and on the advice from Madras Port Trust an attempt was made to nourish
the coast for 2 months. But the erosion was persisting. The CWPRS was
consulted and at their advice type-design was changed and adopted. But
the erosions is continuing and protection with R.M.S wall is continuing.

Poompuhar : - Coastal erosion was averted by construction RM wall in 1955 for

preventing sea water entering into the field. Sea-erosion was occurring mostly in N.E.
monsoon followed by accretion in the South-west monsoon. In 1972-73 monuments
were erected to commemorate Silappadikaram and these were getting affected. Elanzi
Mandapam, which was closest to sea-coast got affected. It was ascertained that coast
was 30 to 50 meters away in 1880s. A solution to arrest was suggested by Thiru.
Dwarakanath Retired C.E. of the Madras Port Trust. In 1990 the problem was examined
by the committee on Anti-sea erosion works (headed by Er. K. Ramalingam) and RMS
wall with sheet pile anchorage was suggested. In 1992 the RMS wall was constructed.

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1980 Tranquebar : Coast for about 500 meters north of the port had been under
erosion and a temple located on the coast. Stone groyne was constructed along this
coast in the British period. But the coast is under continuous erosion.
Thiruchendur Holy temple of Muruga was directly exposed to sea-waves and in 1970
the trustees of the temple had constructed RM wall under the guidance of engineers of
Tuticorin Port. It was progressively extended seawards. A RMS wall had also been
constructed to protect temple of Valli. These walls are being maintained. Reach
between Gandhi Mandapam and Kanyakumari (Reach between Gandhi Mandap and
Swimming Pool).
The rocky coast had got weathered and to prevent its erosion from affecting the Road,
Government had sanctioned R.M.S wall at a cost of Rs.3.2 lakhs Kanykumari coast:The following are some of the damages
Year

No of
Houses

Loss Rs.

Year

No of
Houses

Loss Rs.

1969

97

4600

1974

64

70000

1970

110

5600

1975

13

1000

1971

32

40000

1976

44

50000

1972

61

60000

1977

37

17000

1973

191

200000

The following villages are being affected

Vilavancode Taluk Mindalamanthai, Gurmanthura, Ramanthurai, Poothruar, and
Thooshour, Kalukulam Taluk Kurumbanai, Colachel, PultroorMuttan and Kadipattman,
Agastheswaram Taluk Melamankara, Pallemthurai, Kesavanputhanthuar, Neertafel,
Rajakkamangalam.
The 22nd Fisheries Advisory Board met on24 and 25.11.75 at Tuticorin and measures to
arrest further erosion were formulated. 39 beaches were identified and R.M.S walls
were sanctioned for Rs.5.90 crores. A Division was formed at Nagerkoil and works
started to pretect about 30 km of coast. On 27 and 28-08-80, tidal wave had attacked
and caused further damages.

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1995-96

An expenditure of Rs.130.92 crores so far spent.

1999-2000

Project costing Rs.91 crores for incorporation in National Coastal

Protection was submitted to Government of India for constructing
permanent protections.

Royapuram Beach : The report of No.7/88 of I.R.S. Poondy gave details of problem of
erosion dating back to 1875 when the Madras Port was completed. By 1956, the Coast
had shifted landwards by 700 metres from 1875. The shoreline south of the Harbour
shows progressive advance of coast into the sea. In 1952 a length of 528 m was
protected by RMS wall at a cost of Rs.14.50 lakhs. Fisheries Harbour was constructed
in 1975 and this has caused further erosion. The CWPRS had carried out modelstudies (Specific note 1623 of February 1977). They had recommended nourishment of
beach rather than construction of RMS walls. In 1990 State Government had appointed
an expert committee (G.O. MS Mo.127 dt 20-01-90) to examine the ineffectiveness of
the protection works due to malpractices (Er. K.Ramalingam was chairman,
Er. Sethurathnam and Er. K.N.Rajamanikkam were the members). The Committee
studied the report No.23/82 of I.R.S Poondy dealing with the shoreline behaviors along
Madras. It was estimated in IRS report of July1989 that 29.16 hectares of land had
been lost during the previous 9 years. The Committee had estimated on the basis of old
maps that 350 hectares had been lost. Total cost incurred by the state was found to be
Rs.1 crore upto 1989. Erosion was found to be between kilometer stones of 4/500 and
13/150. The erosion had gone up to road in 1982 and it had crossed the road at many
points especially at Bharathiyar Nagar. The Govt sanctioned model studies at Poondi in
their orders (522 dt 21-03-80, 261 dt 27-12-88) and they had recommended building of
off-shore R.M. discontinuous break near each 100 metres and with gaps of 100 meters
covering a length of 1.90 kilometers along 3.0 metre contour. (Report No.5/83,2/84, 1
1/86 and 11/86) parallel to the shore. They have also felt that the shore would get
stabilized after construction of the proposed Satellite Port at Ennore. The field people
are not in a position to construct such discontinuous structures inside the sea and are
constructing R.M.S walls along coast as per recommendations of 1996 committee.
A workshop was conducted on 26-11-96 to study the behavior and suggest measures
to mitigate erosion.
Veeranam Pipe Proposal :
The General Manager Tamilnadu Construction Corporation gave a proposal for
protecting the reach between 12/700 to 12/900 on an experimental basis. Veeranam
Pipes of 2m diameter and 6 m long were lying unused as that project was abandoned.
They were brought and sunk into the coast along 2 rows at 3 metre intervals. Pipes
were filled with sand and bottoms and tops were sealed with concrete 1:2:4. The geo
fabric filter was provided in between the 2 rows and concrete tetra pods were piled in
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this space. One row of tubular gabion was also provided between the 2nd row of pipes.
To protect the fabric and tubular gabion from direct exposure one row of heavier stones
of 500 kg weight were stacked. The cost of this 200 metre reach came to Rs.5 crores.
But the erosion could not be stopped.
2002

Adayar river banks which were getting eroded were protected under
Anti-sea-erosion works as ordered in G.O. No.265 dt 18-7-02.

2002

Expenditure of Rs.283 lakhs made for Royapuram works beach.

2006-2007

Rs.50 crores sanctioned under post Tsumani protection works as grantin-aid as recommended by Highlevel Committee. 30 works sanctioned
and Rs.19.771 crores issued.

Ennore Shore :
Littoral drift is closing the mouth of river Kosaastalayar and mouth prone to shift. The
Ennore Thermal Station having an installed capacity of 450 MW depends for its coolant
water on the backwaters of this creek. Two sand-pumps each of 175 tonnes per hour
capacity were installed in 1970 on 2 R.C.C trestle 302.5 metre long. These pumps
could never be commissioned due to cavitation problems. A cutter-suction dredger with
a capacity of 345 m3 per hour is dredging the basin to induct water from sea. In 1980
the sea-mouth had moved towards north away from the sand-pumps-trestles. The
construction of Ennore Port was started in 1986.
2004-2006

At 4/0 Kilometer Stone, the Ministry of Transport of Government of India

have built 4 groynes (2 no 160 metre long and 2 nos. 200 metre long ) at
spacing of 320 and 400 a metres. Similarly at 12/600 meter stone, 6
groyness each 200 of 16 metres long have been constructed at 400 to
320 metres. Their total cost is Rs.30 crores and they are expected to get
filled with sand by 2020. These groynes are under observation.

2006-2010

The State Government had not allotted any funds for Royapuram antierosion work during 2006-2010. The budget for 2010-2011 is Rs.66
lakhs.

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CHAPTER NO.30 : BUILDING WORKS

The Buildings branch is a service department and has been fulfilling the demands from
various Government departments and undertakings
1865

Chepauk Buildings completed for PWD

1893

High Court Building completed.

1910

Additional wing completed for PWD at chepauk

1924-25

Consulting Architect was appointed for preparing drawings for General

Hospital and improvements to Victoria Hospital Gosha Hospital.
Expenditure on building George Hospital at Vizag Rs.6.93 lakhs.
Constructed hostel for medical students at Thanjavur and leper hospital at
Tirumeni Total expenditure Rs.75.85 lakhs.

1927-28

Capital works expenditure Rs.181094

1928-29

Architect designed building for Pathology Block for General Hospital and
Director of Public Instruction. Expenditure on capital works Rs.271042.
Construction of Ophthamology block at Rs.4.03 lakhs and offices for
Superintending Engineer and Executive engineer and quarters for
Superintending Engineers.

1929-30

Expenditure on capital works Rs.120-.10 lakhs

1930-31

Expenditure on capital works Rs.134.15 lakhs. Constructed court building at

Vizag and Leper settlement and additional buildings at Rs.395428. Smallcauses court and Mohammedan college were completed.

1932-33

Expenditure on capital works was Rs.76-49 lakhs.

1933-34

Expenditure on capital works Rs.59.89 lakhs New building and compound

wall completed for PWD and also installation of gas plant at General
Hospital.

1935-36

General Hospital Expenditure on capital works was Rs.63.82 lakhs.

1936-37

Orissa State formed and Chicacole subdivision transferred to Vizag division.

Central Presidency Division formed to relieve North and South Presidency
divisions. Anchitects branch divided into 2 into special architect and
consulting architect and many designs were prepared. Expenditure on
capital works was Rs.59.04 lakhs. Workshops formed at Madras,
Dowlesivaram and Bezwada (Rs.6.27 lakhs)

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1950-51

Expenditure on capital works was Rs.157.93 lakhs special circle and 5

divisions formed at Ramnad and Trichy in 12/51 for cyclone-relief works.

1951-52

Expenditure on capital works was Rs.187-74 lakhs consulting architect had

prepared 522 drawings and detailed estimate for Rs.45.4 lakhs. Post of
Joint Consulting architect created for expediting and preparing 643
drawings for various works.

1954

Ice making plant completed at Kozhikode. Medical College at Madurai

completed at Rs.44.20 lakhs Kozhikode Headquarters hospital completed.

1955

Govt constructed buildings for Madras Medical College, Wenlock and

Goshen Hospital at Mangalore.

1960-61

Tamilnadu Housing Board formed in 1961 Expansions for Medical Colleges

was planned T.B. clinic at Pudukottai and 40 P.H.Cs at rural centres. ESI
buildings constructed for Rs.38.1 lakhs.

1962

3 divisions formed for constructing special buildings.

1964

Buildings Branch headed by one chief engineer and 5 special

superintending Engineers for carrying out works at Chennai and Thanjavur
marine works buildings for P.A.P Andhra Pradesh Headquarters pumping
scheme at Nagapattinam and Small Arms Projects at Thiruverumbur.

1967

PWD buildings at Chepauk. MLAs Hostel inside Government Estate. 2

blocks of buildings in line with existing garage and dispensaries for E.S.I.
The following works were also done.
Fish Hatcheries

Rs.

5.9 lakhs

Wharf wall at Cuddalore Fishing Harbour

Rs.

8.5 lakhs

Slipway at Nagapattinam Fishing Harbour

Rs.

0.85 lakhs

Indo-Norwegian Project at Mandapam

Rs. 14.10 lakhs

River Traing works at Cuddalore

Rs. 50.70 lakhs

1968 F.P. centre (Rs.75000 each) sanctioned & completed.

1968-69

Chief Engineer (Buildings) in charge of Public Health department. The

following marine works were done
Cost Lakhs Rs.

Passenger Terminal at Nagapattinam

8.80

Fishing Harbour at Nagapattinam

5.00

Indo-Norwegian Project at Madras

14.10

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Cuddalore Port

139.54

Fish meal centre at Mandapam

10.96

Fisheries Jetty at Rameswaram

9.90

Tuticorin Fishing Harbour

208.00

Cuddalore Fishing Harbour

8.50
-------------------Rs. 402.91 Lakhs
--------------------

Total
1969-70

Completed Medical Colleges at Chengalpattu and Thirunelvely ESI

buildings for Rs.5 lakhs. 11 family planning centres at Rs.92000 each
Completed at 31 centres. Sanctioned 73 centres for Rs.58.30 lakhs F.B.
Schemes at 241 places for Rs.28.92 lakhs and 30 PH centres for Rs.54
lakhs.

1970-71

Additional buildings for Govt Hospital at Udumalpet for Rs.7.51 lakhs and 32
bedded Hospital at Cumbum, Singampunari and Sriperumbudur (Rs.9.70
lakhs) and upgrading Government dispensary at Jayankondam into Taluk
HQ Hospital. Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital at Irukkai (Rs.5.00
lakhs). Family Planning Centres (Rs.92000 each) completed at 41 places &
68 PH centres.

1971-72

PHC and staff quarters at 50 places taken up and completed. Grant

Rs.367.73 lakhs. Family Planning and P.H.Cs for Rs.344.83 lakhs. 98
completed and 232 at various levels of progress. 1395 F.P. subcents
costing Rs.174.69 lakhs taken up and 113 completed.

1972-73

Completed improvement works at 9 hospitals and 7 colleges. Completed

8206 quarters for Police Housing and 773 in progress (Rs.58 lakhs)

1973-74

First phase of Marina Beautification taken upto Gandhi Statue taken up at

Rs.2.85 lakhs. Youth Hostel at Indranagar completed for Rs.3.50 lakhs.
Remodelling Kalaivanar Arangam taken upto for Rs.15.0 lakhs.
Ramaeswaram Tourism building completed for Rs. 6lakhs.

1974-75

8723 quarters completed for Police subordinates and handed over (749
lakhs) and further 761 quarters were completed for Rs.181 lakhs. Family
Planning Centres at 374 places sanctioned for Rs.345 lakhs. 342 completed
out of sanction of Rs.175 lakhs for 1391 family planning centres 342
completed. 65 nos of P.H.Cs completed Fishing Harbour at Tuticorin for
Rs.210 lakhs taken up and completed breakwaters, wharfies, Jettilies
dredging and slipway and handed over to Port Department Approach roads
taken up in 4/69 completed.

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1976

Tamilnadu Construction Corporation established for taking up Government

works and minimize the cost of construction.

1979-80

The following building works were done

Amount in Lakhs

Administrative building for Indo-German Nilgris Project

12.00

Clinical Building at Veterinary College

12.00

Multistoried building for Veterinary College

5.00

Sheep breeding centre at Sandynalla

1.10

Quarters for livestock research at Kattupakkam

10.17

Automobile workshop at Cuddalore

9.17

C.T.O office at Tiruppur

8.00

C.T.O. office at IIIrd Floor

3.86

Quarters for Three Prisoners at Chennai

36.14

R.D.O office at Vridhachalam and Periyakulam

7.80

Quarters for S.P. at Nagapattinam

2.63

G.W. Directorate S.Es office at chengalpattu

7.06

Cyclone-relief centres (14 completed)

2.50

Sanction received for 50 police stations at Rs.3.00 lakhs each

1981-82

Budget provision is Rs.2347.41 lakhs

1982-83

Budget provision is Rs.3415.01 lakhs

Additional building for PWD at Chepauk

Rs.771.52 lakhs

Police quarters at 9 places for 119 persons and 21 police stations Rs.864.41 lakhs
Cyclone shelters at 32 places phase 1 completed

Rs. 96.00 lakhs

Cyclone shelters II phase at 50 places taken up at Rs.3 lakh each Rs.150.00 lakhs
20 Additional cyclone shelters sanctioned a Rs.3.9 lakhs each

Rs. 78.00 lakhs

2 Additional cyclone shelters at Rs.4.88 each

Rs. 9.76 lakhs

Housing for Fishermen 237 sqft for each 6085 completed

Rs.100.00 lakhs

1983-84

Budget estimate is 3093.23 lakhs

1984-85

Budget provision is Rs.5525.77 lakhs Rs.374.35 lakhs allotted for

maintenance and repairs.

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1985-86

Budget provision is Rs.3236.14 lakhs

1986-87

Rs.477.44 is budget.

1987-88

Budget provision is 3566.71 lakhs

Pasumpon MuthuRamalinga Thevar HQ College Rs.6.43 lakhs College at
Ramnad Rs.3.65 lakhs and Dindigul for Rs.368.5 lakhs.

1989-90

Budget provision is Rs.789.28 lakhs. New works sanctioned for various

department for Rs.2042.47. Taken up Police Stations and M.G.R Memorial
and IUDP deposit works taken up

1990-91

Staff position is 1 chief engineer, 1 joint chief engineer, 5 special divisions at

Madras, Salem, Erode and Trichy. Special circle at Virudunagar and one
circle for E.I.C. Total 32 EEs 6 spl EEs and 13 circles Plan schemes
Rs.27.02 crores and non-plan Rs.2.76 crores

1991-92

Plan schemes Rs.28.89 crores and non-plan Rs.0.9 crores 7 new schemes
sanctioned for Rs.15crores.

1995

World Tamil Conference building at Thanjavur Memorial Tower and

Commemoration Hall and Auditorium in Tamil University for a total of
Rs.6crores within 4 months. Works done by Construction Corporation under
Er. R.Nadimuthu, Er. K.Ramalingam was Special Officer.

1996-97

15 circles and 52 division from 01-04-96 functioning separately from WRO.

1997-98

Court buildings sanctioned for Rs.28.32 crores started in 96-97 to be

continued in 97-98

1998-2000 16 circles, 57 divisions.

1997-98

79 Police Stations (Rs.1500 lakhs) and completed. Buildings for

Registration and Education department (4457.1 lakhs) at 373 places
received.

2001-2002 16 circles and 51 divisions and 1 chief architect. Construction of primary

health centres and schemes. Emergency wards at Taluk headquarters at 11
places for Rs.268 lakhs. Work completed. T.B. Centres at District
Headquarters at 11places for Rs.330 lakhs. Completed at 11 places and
balance nearing completion.
K.A.P. Viswanathan Medical college at Trichy for Rs.1273 lakhs sanctioned in 97-98
and Administration block completed.
Base Eye wards in district Headquarters at 25 places sanctioned for Rs.1421 lakhs.
Collectors offices sanctioned at 7 places (Rs.3854 lakhs) and completed by
30-09-2002.
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RDO office buildings at 4 places for Rs.3.74 lakhs.

Taluk Offices 6 sanctioned in 99-2000 at 6 places for Rs.414 lakhs completed.
Taluk Offices sanctioned at 8 places for Rs.669 lakhs 4 completed and rest in progress
Combined Court building in Virudunagar (Rs.310 lakhs) Thirunelvely (Rs.120 lakhs),
Salem (Rs.393 lakhs) Coimbatore (929 lakhs) and Ooty (Rs.789 lakhs) are in progress.
Quarters for 30 judges sanctioned for Rs.1365 lakhs Law College at Tirunelvely
(Rs.175.5 lakhs) in progress 79 police stations.
2002-2003

13 circles for buildings and 3 for electrical and 52 divisiions.

652 P.H. centres for Rs.4968 lakhs completed. Medical College at
Thoothukodi sanctioned for Rs.1540 lakhs in 1999-2000 in progress.

2003-2004

Major Building works costing Rs.31,364 lakhs.

2004-2005

Works in progress for Rs.277.12 lakhs and building works to be taken

up for Rs.4862 lakhs.

2005-2006

Major building works in progress for Rs.24974.75 lakhs.

2006-2007

1. Chief Engineer, 16 Superintendent Engineers, 51 Executive

Engineers. 2. Electrical divisions and 2 divisions for R & D works done
for Rs.650-700 crores. Quarry dust identified as a substitute for sand
New works-Plan 222.97crores and non-plan Rs.19.94 crores. Budget is
Rs.6767 crores

2007-2008

1.Chief Engineer, 15 Superintending Engineers, Existing building and

research station at Taramani to be improved for (a) Software
(b) exposure to modern trends and (c) dissemination of information.
Budget is Rs.435.04 crores. M.L.A.s office buildings at a cost of Rs.4.85
lakhs 226 completed. Major building works costing Rs.36359 lakhs in
progress.

2008-2009

Centenary library buildings at Kotturpuram with ground and 8 floor as a

green building started on 26-11-08 costing Rs.172 crores.

2009-2010 Budget Rs.968.32 lakhs

New Assembly building block A sanctioned for Rs.425.57 crores Block B sanctioned for
Rs.279.564 crores. The other major works are mention below
NABARD school works (Phase7) at 16 distircts

Rs.131.69 crores

New Medical Colleges at Dharmapuri and Villupuram

Rs. 83.78 crores

Combined Court buildings at Arani, Gudiyattam,

Rs. 28.39 crores

Cuudalore and Karur

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New Collector office at Salem

Rs. 25.00 crores

Expansion of Rajaji Hospital at Madurai

Rs. 22.06 crores

Addl. buildings for women and children at Chennai

Rs. 13.83 crores

Addl. buildings for Dental College

Rs. 13.66 crores

Addl. Buildings at Royapettah Hospital

Rs.

9.88 crores

Commercial Tax Office at Greames Road

Rs.

5.50 crores

Tahsildars quarters at 29 places

Rs.

4.5119 crores

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HIGH COURT BUILDING, CHENNAI

SECRETARIAT BUILDING FORT St. GEORGE BUILDING

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NEW SECRETARIAT BUILDING AT ANNA SAALAI

NEW SECRETARIAT BUILDING AT ANNA SAALAI LONG VIEW

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ANNA CENTENARY LIBRARY BUILDING, KOTTUR PURAM

ANNA CENTENARY LIBRARY BUILDING, KOTTUR PURAM (NIGHT VIEW)

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VALLAL

ATHIAMAN KOTTAM, DHARMAPURI

COLLECTORATE BUILDING, TIRUNELVELI

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THENI MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL

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COLLECTORATE BUILDING - THIRUVANNAMALAI

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DIRECTORATE OF AGRICULTURE CHEPAUK, CHENNAI 5.

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SANCTION OF DIVISIONS UNDER BUILDING ORGAINSATION

(G.O. Ms.No.44PWD (G2), dated 19.1.1996)
TOTAL NUMBER OF DIVISIONS : 52
SI.
No

Sanctioned Circle

Existing Divisions

Proposed Divisions

1.

Buildings
(Maintenance) Circle,
Madras

N.P. Division, Madras

S.P. Division Madras
Marina Division, Madras

N.P. Division, Madras

S.P. Division, Madras
Marina Division, Madras

2.

2.Buildings
(Construction) Circle,
Madras

Building Division, I
Madras
Bldg. Division. II,
Madras
Bldg. Division. III,
Madras
Bldg. Division. IV,
Madras
I.P.P.V. Bldg. Division,
Madras
Bldg. Division,
Kancheepuram

Bldg. Constn. Dn. I, Madras

Bldg. Constn. Dn. II, Madras
Bldg. Constn. Dn. III, Madras
Bldg. Constn. Dn. IV,
Madras
I.P.P.V. Bldg Dn, Madras
Bldg. Constn. Dn,
Kancheepuram

3.

Buildings
(Maintenance &
Construction), Circle,
Vellore

Bldg Division, Vellore

Bldg Division. II,
Villupuram
Bldg. Division,
Tiruvannamalai Vellore
Division, Vellore
Cuddalore Division,
Cuddalore

Bldg. Constn. Dn. Vellore

Bldg. Constn. Dn, Villupuram
Bldg.Constn. Dn.
Tiruvannamalai
Bldg.Maintenance Division,
Vellore
Bldg. Maintenance Division,
Cuddalore

4.

Buildings
(Maintenance &
Construction), Circle,
Salem

Bldg Division, Salem

Bldg. Division
Dharmapuri
Salem Division, Salem

Bldg. Constn. Dn. Salem

Bldg. Constn. Dn,
Dharmapuri
Bldg. Maintenance Division,
Salem

5.

Buildings
(Maintenance &
Construction), Circle,
Erode

Bldg Division,
Coimbatore
Bldg. Division Erode
IUDP Division,
Coimbatore
Coimbatore Division,
Coimbatore

Bldg.
Constn.Division.Coimbatore
Bldg. Constn. Dn., Erode
IUDP Constn. Division.,
Coimbatore
Bldg. Maintenance Division,
Coimbatore

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

207

SI.
No
6.

Sanctioned Circle

Existing Divisions

Proposed Divisions

Buildings
(Maintenance)

Trichy Division, Trichy

Bldg. Maintenance
Division, Trichy

Circle, Erode

Trichy Division,
Bldg. Maintenance
Trichy
Division,
Thanjavur
Division, Thanjavur
Bldg. Maintenance Division,
Pudukottai Division,
Pudukottai
Pudukottai

Thanjavur Bldg.
Maintenance

Bldg. (Maintenance)
Division,

Bldg. Maintenance Division

Nagapattinam

Nagapattinam
7.

Buildings
(Construction)
Circle, Trichy

Bldg. Division, Trichy

Bldg. Division No.I,
Thanjavur
Bldg. Division No.II,
Thanjavur
Bldg. Division,
Pudukottai

8.

Buildings
(Maintenance) Circle,
Madurai

Bldg. Division, Madurai

Dindigul Division,
Dindigul
Sivaganga Division,
Sivaganga

9.

Buildings
(Construction) Circle,
Madurai

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

Bldg. Constn. Division,

Trichy
Bldg. Constn. Division. I
Thanjavur
Bldg. Constn. Division. II,
Thanjavur
Bldg. Constn. Division.,
Pudukottai
Bldg. Maintenance
Division, Madurai
Bldg. Maintenance
Division. Dindigul
Bldg.Maintenance Division
Sivaganga

Bldg. Division, No. I

Madurai

Bldg. Constn. Division, No.I

Madurai

Bldg. Division No.II,

Madurai

Bldg. Constn. Division. II,

Madurai

Bldg. Division No.II,

Dindigul

Bldg. Constn. Division,

Dindigul,

Bldg. Division,
Paramakudy

Bldg. Constn. Division.,

Paramakudy

208

SI.
No
10.

Sanctioned Circle

Existing Divisions

Proposed Divisions

Buildings
(Maintenance &
Construction) Circle,
Tuticorin

Bldg. Division, Tuticorin

Bldg. Division. I
Palayamkottai
Bldg. Division. II
Palayamkottai

Bldg. Constn. &

Maintenance Div, Tuticorin
Bldg. Constn. Division. No.I,
Palayamkottai
Bldg. Constn. Division. No.II
Palayamkottai.

RTSB Division,
Virudhunagar Div,
Virudhunagar
Tirunelveli
Division.Tirunelveli

Bldg. Constn. &

Maintenance

11.

Buildings
(Maintenance &
Bldg. Maintenance Division,
Construction) Circle,
Tirunelveli

Tirun

12.

Planning and
Designs (B) Circle,
Madras

Bldg. Centre Division,

Madras
Bldg. Research Station,
Madras

Bldg. Centre Division,

Madras
Bldg. Research Station,
Madras

13.

Electrical Circle
Madras

Electrical (Spl. Bldg.

Division) Madras
Electrical (Maintenance)
Division, Madras
Electrical Division,
Salem
Electrical Division,
Coimbatore

Electrical Division. No.I

Madras
Electrical Division, No.II
Madras Madras
Electrical Division, Salem
Electrical Division,
Coimbatore

14.

Electrical Circle
Madurai

Electrical Division,
Trichy
Electrical Division,
Sivaganga,
Electrical Division,
Madurai

Electrical Division, Trichy

Electrical Division,
Tirunelveli
Electrical Division, Madurai

15.

E.S.I. Engg. Circle,

Madras

ESI (Engg. Cell)

Division, Salem
ESI (Engg. Cell)
Division, Madurai

ESI (Engg. Cell) Division,

Salem
ESI (Engg. Cell) Division,
Madurai

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

209

Posts of Engineer-In-Chief Buildings and 2 more Regional Chief Engineers

(Buildings) at Tiruchi & Madurai are sanctioned in G.O.Ms.No.30 PW(D2),
dt.27.01.2011 as detailed below (G.O. was in Tamil) (as it is)

........5. Nkw;fz;l Kjd;ikj; jiyikg; nghwpahsh;> ePht

; s Mjhuj;Jiw kw;Wk;
jiyikg; nghwpahsh; (nghJ) kw;Wk; jiyikg; nghwpahsh; (fl;llk;) nghJg;gzpj;Jiw
MfpNahuJ fUj;JUf;fis muR ftdkhf ghprPypj;J> mjdbg;gilapy; jw;nghOJs;s
nghJg;gzpj;Jiwapd; fl;ll mikg;gpid 3 fl;llg; gphpT kz;lyq;fshf gphpj;Jk;>
gpd;tUk; khtl;lq;fis xJf;fPL nra;Jk;> kw;Wk; jiyikg; nghwpahsh;fspd; gzp
tptuj;ij eph;zak; nra;Jk; muR gpd;tUkhW MizapLfpwJ.

(i) Kjd;ik jiyikg; nghwpahsh; (fl;llk;) kw;Wk; jiyikg; nghwpahsh;

(fl;llk;)> nrd;id kz;lyk; (jiyikaplk; - nrd;id)
nrd;id> jpUts;@h;> fhQ;rpGuk;> jpUtz;zhkiy> NtY}h;> tpOg;Guk; kw;Wk; flY}h;
khtl;lq;fs;.
Gjpjhf cUthf;fg;gLk; nrd;id kz;lyj;jpw;F jiyik Vw;Fk; jiyikg;
nghwpahsh;> Kjd;ikj; jiyikg; nghwpahsh; (fl;llk;) kw;Wk; jiyikg; nghwpahsh;
(fl;llk;)> nrd;id kz;lyk; vd;Dk; ngahpy; khepy mstpyhd fl;llj;Jiwapd;
Jiwj; jiytuhf nray;gLthh;.

(ii) jiyikg; nghwpahsh; (fl;llk;)> jpUr;rp kz;lyk; (jiyikaplk; jpUr;rp)

jpUr;rp> jQ;rhT+h;> jpUth&h;> ehfg;gl;bdk;> Nryk;> ehkf;fy;> <NuhL> Nfhak;Gj;J}h;>
jpUg;G+h;> f&h;> nguk;gY}h;> mhpaY}h;> GJf;Nfhl;il> jUkGhp> fpU\;zfphp kw;Wk; ePyfphp
khtl;lq;fs;.

(iii) jiyik nghwpahsh; (fl;llk;)> kJiu kz;lyk; (jiyikaplk; kJiu)

kJiu> jpz;Lf;fy;> Njdp> rptfq;if> ,uhkehjGuk;>
jpUney;Ntyp kw;Wk; fd;dpahFkhp khtl;lq;fs;.

tpUJefh;>

J}j;Jf;Fb>

6. Kjd;ikj; jiyikg; nghwpahsh; (fl;llk;)> nrd;id kw;Wk; jiyikg; nghwpahsh;

(fl;llk;) nrd;id kz;lyk; nrd;id mth;fspd; gzpfs;
i. xl;Lnkhj;j fl;llj;Jiwapd; midj;J eph;thfk;> fzf;Fg; gphpT> tuT nryT
mwpf;if> jpl;lq;fs; njhlh;ghd muR xg;Gjy; ngWjy;> nghJg;gzpj;Jiw
xg;ge;jg;Gs;sp xg;gspg;G FOtpd; cWg;gpduhf ,Ue;J xg;ge;jg;Gs;sp FOtpd; midj;J
fUj;JUf;fisAk; ftdpj;jy;> muRf;Fk; fl;ll mikg;gpw;Fk; ,ilNaahd midj;J
fUj;JUf;fisAk; ftdpj;jy;> eph;thfk; kw;Wk; epjp mjpfhu tuk;G Nghd;w midj;Jg;
gzpfisAk; Nkw;nfhs;Sjy;.
ii. jiyikf; fl;llf; fiyQh; mYtyfk;> nrd;id kw;Wk; jpl;lk; kw;wk; tbtikg;G
tl;lk;> nrd;id Mfpa ,uz;L mYtyfq;fspd; eph;thfk; kw;Wk; njhopy;El;g gzpfs;
nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

210

midj;Jk; Kjd;ikj;
fl;Lg;ghl;by; ,aq;Fk;.

jiyikg;

nghwpahsh;

(fl;llk;)>

nrd;id

mth;fspd;

iii. ,af;Feh;> nghJg;gzp gzpahsh; gapw;rp epiyak; kw;Wk; mjd; midj;J

mYtyfq;fspd; eph;thf kw;Wk; njhopy;El;g fl;Lg;ghL midj;Jk; Kjd;ikj;
jiyikg; nghwpahsh; (fl;llk;)> nrd;id mth;fspd; fl;Lg;ghl;by; ,aq;Fk;.
iv. jw;NghJs;s Kjd;ikj; jiyikg; nghwpahsh;> ePht
; s Mjhu Jiw gjtpf;Fz;lhd
midj;J mjpfhuq;fSk; fl;llj; Jiwiar; rhh;e;j tiuapy; Kjd;ikj; jiyikg;
nghwpahsh; (fl;llk;) mth;fSf;Fk; nghUe;Jk;. vdpDk; gzp epakdq;fs;
gzpahsh;fspd; gjtp cah;T> gzpkhw;wk;> gzpahsh;fspd; gzptpjpfSf;F jpUj;jk;
Nghd;w gzpaikg;G rhh;e;j midj;Jk; jw;nghOJs;s eilKiwg;gb jiyikg;
nghwpahsh; (nghJ) mth;fshy; njhlh;e;J Nkw;nfhs;sg;gLk;.

,izg;G-2
jiyikg; nghwpahhs; (fl;llk;)> nrd;id kz;lyk;> nrd;id mth;fspd;
fl;Lg;ghl;by; ,aq;Fk; mYtyfq;fs;
tl;lq;fs;

Nfhl;lq;fs;

fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; fl;ll fl;Lkhd Nfhl;lk; vz;.1> nrd;id

guhkhpg;G
tl;lk;> fl;ll fl;Lkhd Nfhl;lk; vz;.2> nrd;id
nrd;id-5
fl;ll fl;Lkhd Nfhl;lk; vz;.3> nrd;id
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> jpUts;@h;
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> fhQ;rpGuk;.
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; tl;lk;> fl;ll fl;Lkhd Nfhl;lk; (gpshf;.v)> jkpo;ehL Gjpa
jkpo;ehL Gjpa rl;lkd;w rl;lkd;w tshfk;> nr;did.
tshfk;> nrd;id-5.
fl;ll fl;Lkhd Nfhl;lk; (gpshf;.gp)> jkpo;ehL Gjpa
rl;lkd;w tshfk;> nrd;id.
kpd; Nfhl;lk;> jkpo;ehL Gjpa rl;lkd;w tshfk;>
nrd;id-5.
tlkhepyf; Nfhl;lk;> nrd;id-5.
njd;khepyf; Nfhl;lk;> nrd;id-5.
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> NtY}h;
guhkhpg;G tl;lk;> NtY}h;
fl;ll
fl;Lkhdk;
kw;Wk;
guhkhpg;G
Nfhl;lk;>
jpUtz;zhkiy.
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> tpOg;Guk;.
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> flY}h;.

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

211

,izg;G-3
jiyikg; nghwpahsh; (fl;llk;)> jpUr;rp
fl;Lg;ghl;by; ,aq;Fk; mYtyfq;fs;
tl;lq;fs;

kz;lyk;>

jpUr;rp

mth;fspd;

Nfhl;lq;fs;

fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> Nryk;

guhkhpg;G tl;lk;> Nryk;.
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> jUkGhp
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> ehkf;fy;
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> jQ;rhT+h;
guhkhpg;G
tl;lk;> fl;ll fl;Lkhdf; Nfhl;lk;> jQ;rhT+h;
jQ;rhT+h;
fl;ll
fl;Lkhdk;
kw;Wk;
guhkhpg;G
Nfhl;lk;>
ehfg;gl;bdk;.
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> jpUth&h;.
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> jpUr;rp
guhkhpg;G tl;lk;> jpUr;rp
fl;ll fl;Lkhdf; Nfhl;lk;> jpUr;rp
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> mhpaY}h;
fl;ll
fl;Lkhdk;
kw;Wk;
guhkhpg;G
Nfhl;lk;>
GJf;Nfhl;il
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> f&h;.
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; fl;ll
fl;Lkhdk;
kw;Wk;
guhkhpg;g
Nfhl;lk;>
guhkhpg;G
tl;lk;> Nfhak;Gj;J}h;.
Nfhak;Gj;J}h;
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> <NuhL
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> cjif
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> jpUg;G+h;

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

212

,izg;G-4
jiyikg; nghwpahhs; (fl;llk;)> kJiu
fl;Lg;ghl;by; ,aq;Fk; mYtyfq;fs;
tl;lq;fs;

kz;lyk;>

kJiu

mth;fspd;

Nfhl;lq;fs;

fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; Nfhl;lk;> kJiu

guhkhpg;G tl;lk;> kJiu.
fl;ll guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> kJiu
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> Njdp
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> jpz;Lf;fy;
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> rptfq;if
guhkhpg;G
tl;lk;> fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> tpUJefh;
rptfq;if
fl;ll
fl;Lkhdk;
kw;Wk;
guhkhpg;G
Nfhl;lk;>
,uhkehjGuk;
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; kw;Wk; guhkhpg;G Nfhl;lk;> J}j;Jf;Fb
guhkhpg;G
tl;lk;> fl;;ll
fl;Lkhdk;
kw;Wk;
guhkhpg;G
Nfhl;lk;>
jpUney;Ntyp
jpUney;Ntyp.
fl;ll fl;Lkhdk; Nfhl;lk;> ghisaq;Nfhl;il
fl;ll
fl;Lkhdk;
ehfh;Nfhtpy;

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

213

kw;Wk;

guhkhpg;G

Nfhl;lk;>

CHAPTER NO.31 : FORMER CHIEF ENGINEERS

1852 58 Col. Sir. Arthur Cotton KC. IRE

Appointed as Chief Engineers in 1857.

C.E..(I & B) Born on 15-05-1813. He suggested network of canals instead of Railway

but Government not accepted. Felt strongly that poor people of this land should be
given food care and facilities. He built anicuts across Krishna near Vijayavada and
Godavari at Dowleswaram, upper and lower anicuts across Coleroon and CuddappahKurnool canal. This canal was built from funds of a private irrigation company consisting
of some share-holders in England. As this scheme was not remunerative, this was
transferred to Government. He had given proposals for Mettur reservoirs, Madras
Harbour which were modified later. He had served in Burma before joining PWD where
he was deputed to do repairs to irrigation tanks in South. He was also in charge of
Pamban Pass. He had planned and laid railway lines to carry materials. He went to
Tasmania to recoup his health which was giving problems often. He was responsible for
building rubble groynes on Vizag Sea Coast for protecting coast. He was questioned in
England for constructing irrigation works instead of Railway lines but exonerated. He
expired on 29.10.41.
1859-60

Col. J.H.Bell

Chief Engineer Irrigation and buildings

1860-62

Lt.Col. Hostey

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings

1862-63

Col.W.I. Beruvoa, RE

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings

1867-70

Lt. Col J.C. Anderson, RE

Chief Engineer and inspector general of

irrigation

1863-71

C.A ossr RE

Chief Engineer buildings

1871-72

Col. T. Corpendale, RE

Chief Engineer buildings

1872-77

Col. C.W. Walker, RE

Chief Engineer buildings

1877-79

E.A. Foorore, RE

Chief Engineer buildings

1870-82

J. Mullings, RE

Chief Engineer irrigation

1879-83

E.H. Sankey, CBRE

Chief Engineer buildings

1882-90

Col. J.O. Hasteo, RE

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings

1883-86

Col J. A.M. Shah Stewards, RE Chief Engineer buildings

1886-87

Let. Col J Penny Cuick, CSIRE Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

214

Capt. Cotton
``

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

215

1987-88

Lt. Col. H.R. Itead, RE

Chief Engineer irrigation

1888-92

C T Walck

Chief Engineer irrigation

1892-96

Lt. Col. Drake Brookman

Chief Engineer irrigation

1896-98

Col. D. Mc. Neil Campbell, R.E Chief Engineer buildings

1896-01

W. Hughes

Chief Engineer buildings

1895-05

W.B Dew Winton, CIE

Chief Engineer buildings

1886-70

John Cummins

Buildings and Marine

1901-03

Col. AW Smart, RE

------

1903-05

A.H. Gannet

Chief Engineer irrigation

1905-06

J.P. Davidson

Chief Engineer buildings

1906-10

F.J. Wilson, CIE

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings

1906-13

C.A.Smith, CIE

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings

1910-14

H.E. Clerk, OE

Chief Engineer irrigation

1913-14

S.D. Pears

Chief Engineer buildings

1914-19

S.B. Murray

Chief Engineer buildings

1917-21

W.J. Harley

Chief Engineer irrigation

1919-23

W. Helton

Chief Engineer buildings

1921-23

Col. A.H. Morin

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings

1923-26

M.R. Karregat

Chief Engineer buildings

1923

A.V. Ramalinga Iyer

Chief Engineer irrigation. First Indian Chief
Engineer Associated with Periyar dam construction Authored a book on
reminiscences of his service.

1923-25

P. Hawkins CIE

Chief Engineer irrigation

1926-28

W.C. Molesworth

Chief Engineer buildings

1927-28

C.I. Mullings

Chief Engineer irrigation

1926-31

R F Stoney

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings

famous for stony lift gates.

1926-34

N. Swaminatha Iyer

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings

1926-34

L.H. Gerg, CIE

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings

1933-35

R. Narasimha Iyengar

Chief Engineer irrigation

1934-36

V. Hart

Chief Engineer buildings

1936-38

M. Obrien

Chief Engineer buildings

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

216

1936-40

F.M. Dowley

Chief Engineer buildings

1938-40

H.R. Dogra

Chief Engineer buildings

1939-40

J. Westardale

Chief Engineer irrigation

1940-42

L. Venkateskrishna Iyer

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings

1942-45

E.H. Chave

Chief Engineer buildings

1943-45

N. Govindaraja Iyengar

Chief Engineer irrigation

1947

M.K. Ranganatha I.S.E

Chief Engineer buildings. Responsible for
establishing Madras Institute of Technology located at Chromepet

1949

N.J. Joseph I.S.E

1949

T.S. Venkata Rama Iyer I.S.E

Chief
Engineer
Constructed anaicut at Dowleswaram across Godavari.

1945-52

A.R. Venatachari I.S.E Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings. Appointed

as a consultant for DVC project and later resigned due to difference of
opinion. Author of famous report on schemes for flood relief of Madras
city.

1949-52

M.S. Thirumalai Iyengar ISE Chief Engineer buildings. Special Chief

Engineer for Tungabhadra and Ramapadsagar projects. Constructed
and completed Hirakud dam across Mahanadhi.

Chief Engineer irrigation

irrigation.

1952-55

N Padmanabha Iyer I.S.E

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings.

Carried out Tungabadra Project Canals.

1953-56

J.M. Frederick I.S.E

Chief Engineer irrigation and buildings.

Responsible for construction of Vaigai dam.

1955-63

U.Ananda Rao I.S.E.,

Chief Engineer irrigation. Reapointed for 5 years
for completion of PAP Project. He conceived desilting cum reclamation
scheme for tanks and led to extend the lives of many tanks. He was
associated with construction of Poondy Reservoir.

1958-65

K.V. Ekambaram I.S.E Chief Engineer irrigation was also in charge of

Highways department for 2 years Deputed to DVC project which he
completed. Longest service in Cauvery Delta after working in G.A.Canal.

1959-68

J.G. Abraham Directly recruited as A.E.E and chief engineer General,

irrigation and buildings. Responsible for planning and execution of PAP.

1968

J.I. Coil Pillai Directly recruited as A.E.E Chief engineer for irrigation and for
Surgrical Instruments factory of Nandambakkam and Chairman-and
administrator for Tuticorin Harbour - very dynamic engineer responsible for
prodding execution of Sethusamudram Project.

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

217

1965

A. Srinivasan Responsible for Glenmorgan dam, Pykara power-House

Lower Bhavani project and Jedarpalayam Anicut. Deputy General Manager
Technical for Neyveli Lignite Corporation from inception till 1963 when he
retired as S.E of PWD. Built and completed Paradeep Port in Orissa. Very
hard-working and hard-task master.

1967-69

J.E. Vaz Chief Engineer irrigation constructed Malampuzha and Walayar

Projects. Equipped workshop for fabrication of heavy gates

1970

M.E. Hussain Chief Engineer irrigation and general and also Veeranam
Project. Superintending Engineer for Pullambadi project very hard task
master.

1970

D. Henry David Chief Engineer Buildings and last chief Engineer to be in

charge of Public Health works.

1971

V. Muthukrishnan

1972

K.D. Karambayya
Chief Engineer buildings and responsible for
building family planning centres in the state. Built the petroleum refinery
plant at Manali.

1972

J Walter Directly recruited as AEE. Expert in design and drawing of

irrigation structures. Worked for a few years in Bhakra-Nangal project.
Extensive tour and experience in the irrigation field and authored many
articles on irrigation.

1972

S.P. Namasivayam Directly recruited as AEE and executed Atomic Plant at

Trombay. Carried out discussion on cauvery dispute and guided
modernization of irrigation in Cauvery delta.

1972

A.V. Alwar Chief engineer Veeranam. Associated with hydro-electric works,

industries development estates and Maintenance of Cauvery delta.

1973

S. Ramachandran Directly recruited as AEE, Handled flood relief works in

Cauvery in 1955 and brought out a report on proposals to mitigate floods.
Retired as a Director General of National Building Construction Corporation.

1973

A.S. Hedge Chief Engineer Veeranam Project

1974

K.R. Ramasamy Directly recruited as AEE. Executed Sathanur Project and

Superintending engineer for Sethusamudram Project Chief Engineer
Housing Board and first chief engineer of Slum Clearance Board.

1975

D. Ambrose Directly recruited as AEE and Superintending engineer for

construction of warehouses, godowns and Small Arms Project - was chief
engineer buildings.

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Chief Engineer irrigation

218

1975

P. Sivalingam Directly recruited as AEE and acquired post-graduate degree

in irrigation from Columbia. Distinguished himself as Superintending
engineer in charge of buildings in Industrial estates - was Director of
Technical Education and first V.C of Anna University and obtained Honorary
doctorate.

1975

P.K. Vedanayagam Directly recruited as AEE. worked with BHEL project ,

flood relief project and Barrage across Cauvery - expert in laying out
gardens around project sites and very good go-getter.

1975

P.K. Kandasamy Directly recruited as AEE chief engineer building in PWD

and also of Madras Harbour

1976

D.I. Paul Directly recruited as AEE. Executed Periyar approach channel at

Thekkadi and executed many building schemes around Trichy. Retired as
chief engineer buildings

1976

B.A. Jayabalan Chief engineer Project investigation and buildings after a

long spell in the Tamilnadu Housing Board where he had laid foundation in
planning and designing buildings and left instruction manuals.

1977

S. Panchanathan Directly recruited as AEE obtained degree in Highways

and M.S from Columbia Unviersity Director of UNDP Groundwater project
and associated with well fields at Panjetty, Minjur and Thamararpakkam
which supply Ground water to industries in Chennai Founded Groundwater
wing of the PWD. Awarded UN fellowship for training in ground water in U S
and Thailand. Awarded doctorate by Anna University of Technology.

1977

S. Manavalan

1977

M.N.Ramanujam

1977

C.A. Srinivasan Chief Engineer G.W and general. Deputy chief engineer
(General) Managing Director of Anna Transport Corporation and Pallavan
Transport Corporation Irrigation Consultant to Philippines Government and
evolved scheme for bringing cauvery water to Chennai city to augument
water supply.

1977

C.S. Kuppuraj Executed many hydro-electric projects in TNEB and a

capable organizer of Association of Engineers and of seminars in
Engineering projects.

1979

A. MeenakshiSundaram Chief Engineer buildings executed Walayar

irrigation project and 11 MGD water supply scheme from Thamaraipakkam.

1979

N. Kumarasamy Chief engineer buildings after distinguished career in

building designs

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Chief engineer irrigation.

Periyar Vaigai Improvements

219

1979

M.N. Kandasamy Chief engineer flood relief

1979

S.J. Ambrose
Chief Engineer irrigation and General. Very popular and
sympathetic to colleagues and subordinates.

1981

A. Mohanakrishnan
Chief Engineer Irrigation and General and
continues as Chairman of Cauvery Technical Cell. Service over 6 decades.
Awarded doctorate by Anna University Guide to Tamilnadu State Govt in all
irrigation projects, disputes and chairman of various technical committees.
Longest service in the irrigation field not equaled by any other engineer.

1981

R. Kuppusamy Chief Engineer Ground Water. As Executive Engineer

spent 2 decades in PAP

1981

S.Shanmugasundaram Chief Engineer buildings distinguished service in

workshops for preparing Tamilnadu Building Practice.

1983

W. S. Winfread Chief engineer Periyar Vargar Project specializing in

strength of Materials

1983

K. Subramaniya Iyer Long years in workshop and construction of gates at

various projects. Director of I.H.H Poondy.

1983

Dr. Arthur Samuel

Chief Engineer irrigation and general obtained
doctorate while on deputation to Germany from Neyveli Lignite Corporation.
He was chief engineer in the Periyar Varyai Project after distinguished
service in ground water wing.

1983

S. Shanmugam Chief Engineer Periyar Vaigai and then irrigation and

General. Responsible for the investigation of most of irrigation schemes and
collection and documentation of data in Water Institute.

1983-85

M. Mallikarjunan Chief Engineer buildings & irrigation and extensive

experience in P.A.P. Works.

1983-85

T.K. Viswanathan Chief Engineer minor irrigation and special work of flood
relief in cauvery delta. Handled many building and irrigation projects.

1984

V. Govindan

1983

K. Ramalingam Chief Engineer Minor irrigation. Served on deputation and

completed projects of Periyar hydro-electric, Neyveli Lignite and space
departments first M.D. of TN Tubewell Corporation.

1984-85

C.K. Gopalakrishnan Chief Engineer Ground water. Distinguished scheme

in Neyveli Lignite Corporation especially in design and running of conveyor
belts. He was Managing Director of Pallavan Transport Corporation.

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Chief Engineer

220

1984

K. Sadasivan
Chief Engineer IHH. Poondy after a long service in round
water wing monitoring groundwater exploration

1984

S. Viswanathan Chief Engineer PWD

1985

M.Lakshmanaperumal

Chief Engineer, Investigation

1985

L. Rajaratnam

Chief Engineer irrigation.

1985

P. Srinivasan
Chief Engineer irrigation and General. Handled
investigation and execution of Veeranam Water Supply Scheme

1985

N. Balasubramanian Directly recruited as AEE and chief engineer irrigation

and general

1985

S. Ramachandran Chief Engineer possessing long experience of designing

and executing water courses in Periyar Vaigai.

1985

C.N. Margam

1986

P. Piramanayagam

1986

A.V. Subramanian Chief Engineer buildings having experience and

expertise in design of framed structures.

1986

S. Md. Mustafa

1986

L. Sivaramakrishnan

1986

C.G. Jayaraman Chief Engineer irrigation with dedication served in Neyveli

Lignite Corporation and is designing and drawings for many irrigation
projects.

1986

M. Dakshnamurthy
Chief Engineer buildings responsible for office
buildings of district collectorates.

1986

S. Srinivasan Associated with Veeranam Project in 1965 very

knowledgeable.

1986

A.S. Sabapathy Chief Engineer PWD (Ground water)

1987-90

A.V. Sathyakaman
Directly recruited as AEE chief engineer buildings.
Responsible for construction of Secretariat and many fishing harbours

1987-89

S. Nageswaran Directly recruited as AEE and Chief engineer irrigation

and General. Long experience in cauvery and Tambaraparani systems. He
was member of TNPSC for 3 years

1987

V.V Ramachandran

Chief Engineer PWD

1987

P. Rangasamy
execution.

Engineer

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Chief Engineer Minor irrigation

Chief Engineer Periyar Vaigai Project.

Chief Engineer Minor irrigation and General

Chief

Chief Engineer irrigation.

221

irrigation

and

long

association

in

1987

A. Ganesan
Chief Engineer buildings specializing in design and
construction of non residential buildings.

1987

R. Sethurathinam

Chief Engineer (irrigation)

1987

G.Subramaniam

Chief Engineer Periyar Vaigai Project

1987

T.R. Varadan

Chief Engineer Minor irrigation

1987

C.P.Thambiannan

SIDCO / Irrigation & Gl

1987

R.Sridharan

IHH, Poondi

1988

M.P. Shahul Hameed

Chief Engineer PWD

01.06.1988

Er.K.Chinnaraj

Director, IMTI

01.06.1988

Er.N.Durairajan

National Water Management Project

25.04.1989

Er.K.N.Rajamanickam

CE, (Ground Water)

07.10.1989

Er.S.R.Devasahayam

CE (Investigation)

17.11.1989

Er.V.M.Ramasamy

CE (Ground Water)

Jan-90

Er R.Vittal

IMTI, Tiruchi

March 1990

Er S.Muthuvale

Investigation

10.03.1990

Er M.K.Natarajan

Minor Irrigation

29.06.1990

Er C.Madakannu

Ground Water/ Buildings

29.06.1990

Er M.Sabaratnam

IMTI, Tiruchi

30.07.1990

Er N.K.Ramiah

Ground Water

20.08.1990

Er R.Seetharaman

Planning and Designs

Aug-90

Er U.C.Gopinath

National Water Management Project

14.09.1990

Er T.N.Kandasamy

SIPCOT

14.09.1990

Er S.M.Krishnan

Minor Irrigation

14.09.1990

Er K.Sironmani Rao

KWSP (Irrigation & General)

12.11.90

ErP.Vaithilingam

National Water Management Project

22.11.90

Er P.Krishnaraj

IMTI, Tiruchi

15.11.90

Er Abdul Hameed Khan

Ground Water

01.04.1991

Er P.Rajappa

Planning and Designs

28.05.1991

Er K.Venkatasubramanian

Krishna water Supply Project

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222

09.08.1991

Er R.N.Krishnan

Special Secretary (Irrigation & Gl)

30.10.1991

Er A.Loganathan

Member Cavery Technical Cell

1991

Er.B.Rathinavelu

Paper Promotion

11/1991

Er.V.Neelakanthan

Special Secretary to Govt.

11/1991

Er.P.Dharmaraj

National Water Management Project

10/1991

Er.A.M.Gajapathy

Ground Water

10/1991

Er.WSO. Kunder

Minor Irrigation

1992

Er.K.Pandy

CE, PV Project

04.03.1992

Er K.Natarajan

Director IMTI, Tiruchi

06.03.1992

Er C.N.Balasubramanian

Minor irrigation/IMTI

07.10.1992

Er S.Madhavan

Planning and Designs

12/1992

Er.M.Pasupathy

Sugar Corporation

12/1992

Er.K.Thirunavukkarasu

IMTI, Tiruchi

23.12.1992

Er.V.Duraisami

Periyar Vaigai Project

5/1993

Er.G.GanapathySubramaniam Institute for Water Studies

31.05.1993

Er M.Kaliyaperumal

Institute of Hydraulics ,Poondi

02.08.1993

Er K.O.Palanisamy

Irrigation & EIC

02.08.1993

Er P.Govindarajan

Planning and Designs

31.10.1993

Er P.S.Dhanasingh

Minor Irrigation

03.11.1993

Er R.Nagamanikkam

Buildings

3/1994

Er.D.Gajarajan

Technical Education

09.03.1994

Er John Thomas

Department of Fisheries

27.05.1994

Er J.M.Manoharan Chelliah

Municipal Admn

6/1994

Er Ebenezer Devadason

Co-Operative Department

30.09.1994

Er R.Jeyaraman

Director IMTI,Tiruchi

03.10.1994

Er S.S.Swaminathan

Ground Water

03.10.1994

Er Martin Inbaraj

Krishnawater Project

10.10.1994

Er S.Selvaraj

Periyar Vaigai Project

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223

Oct-94

Er C.Balasubramanian

Special Secretary

Jan-95

Er D.B.Rufus

Institute of Hydraulics ,Poondi

4/1995

Er.V.Arumugamaswamy

PMG-WRCP

4/1995

Er.S.P.Subramanian

Director IMTI /Chennai Region

4/1995

Er.N.Thangavelu

CE, Buildings

4/1995

Er.M.Ramasubramaniam

CE,Madurai

12/1995

Er.M.P.Durairaj

CE & Spl Secretary

12/1995

Er.R.Murugaiyan

CE/DRCS/EIC & CE(GL)

1/1996

Er.R.Syed Badruddin

CE,Groundwater

2/1996

Er.T.Krishnamurthy

CEMadurai Region

6/1996

Er.V.J.Venugopal

CE Operation & Maintenance

7/1996

Er.D.Chengalvarayan

CE, IWS, Tharamani

31.12.1996

Er G.Balakrishnan

Ground Water

31.12.1996

Er V.Thirumurthy

DRCS

1/1997

Er.R.Sadakshravelu

CE,Pollachi

4/1997

Er.S.Muthukumaraswamy

Spl Secretary

6/1997

Er.N.Srinivasan

CE, SIPCOT

6/1997

Er.Easwaramurthi

CE ,Madurai Region

6/1997

Er.S.Panchapakesan

CE,Groundwater

9/1997

Er.R.Thangarajan

CE,CoOperation/Chennai Region

9/1997

Er.M.Dhanaraju

CE,Plan Formulation

9/1997

Er.M.A.Rajasekaran

Spl Secretary

9/1997

Er.V.Muralidharan

Director,IMTI,Tiruchi

9/1997

Er.S.Kandasamy

CE,Madurai Region

11/1997

Er.C.Rajamanickam

CE, Co Operation

11/1997

Er.S.Krishnamurthy

CE, CoOperation & Maintenance

11/1997

Er.M.S.Hariharan

Director , IMTI,Tiruchi

5/1998

Er.R.S.M.Manoharan

CE, Krishna Water Supply

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224

18.05.1998

Er S.M.Arasu

Plan Formulation

25.05.1998

Er R.Krishnaswamy

Pollachi Region

19.06.1998

Er N.Dorai Raj

DRCS

22.10.1998

Er S.Rathinam

Operation and maintenace

22.10.1998

Er K.Ramalingam

Chennai Corporation

22.10.1998

Er R.Nadhimuthu

CE(General) Chennai corporation

31.10.1998

Er A.Veerabadran

Institute For Water Studies,Tharamani

11/1998

Er.D.Paneer Selvam

Spl Secretary to Govt.

10.12.1998

Er N.Ponnusamy

CE, Tiruchi Region

4.12.1998

Er.A.Abdul Muthalief

CE, Ground Water

June 1999

Er.V.Ravindran

CE, Co Operation

30.06.1999

Er.S.Alagianagalingam

CE, Madurai Region

June 1999
27.01.2000

Er.K.Veeraraghavan
Er.N.Jeyakumar

CE, Chennai Corporation

C.E. O & M, Chennai

17.02.2000

Er.R.Subramanian

IMTI, Trichy

30.03.2000

Er.P.V.Sahadevan

CE, Director, IWS, Chennai

17.04.2000

Er.C.Seshachalam

CE, P.F., Chennai

10.02.2000

Er.T.Subramanian

CE, Chennai Region, Chennai

12.08.2000

Er.S.Sivaraman

CE (O&M), Chennai

08.07.2000

Er.R.Radhakrishnan

CE (Buildings), Chennai

25.08.2000

Er.A.Annamalai

CE (Co-operative) Dept.

17.04.2000

Er.T.J.Kishore Vincent

CE Chennai Corporation

26.08.2000

Er.R.Paranthaman

CE Madurai Region, Madurai

31.06.2000

Er.S.Purushothaman

CE (SG&SWRDC)

31.08.2000

Er.S.Kalaichelvan

CE Pollachi Region, Pollachi

10.11.2000

Er.S.Senthil Arumugam

Special Secretary

12.02.2001

Er.R.Jayakar David Livingstone

CE (O & M), Chennai

14.02.2001

Er.R.Bose

CE IMTI, Trichy

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225

30.07.2001

Er.S.Muthubommu

CE (Buildings), Chennai

20.09.2001

Er.A.K.Mohamed Ismail

CE, Chennai Corporation,

29.09.2001

Er.N.Kuttalam Pillai

CE (O & M), Chennai

18.10.2001

Er.M.Kandasamy

CE (Co-operative)

Er.T.Jayachandran

CE, Trichy Region, Trichy

03.11.2001

Er.A.Kanagasabapathy

CE, IWS

Nov 2001

Er.S.Ganesan

CE, Chennai Corporation

11.01.2002

Er.R.Sankaranarayanan

CE (O & M), Chennai

12.04.2002

Er.R.Pandiyan

CE, I.W.S.

05.06.2002

Er.M.Dheenadhayalan

Special Secretary

01.07.2002

Er.R.Barathalwar

CE, Pollachi Region, Pollachi

05.06.2002

Er.C.Sivaprakasam

CE, Chennai Region

05.07.2002

Er.M.Jayaraman

CE, IMTI, Trichy

30.06.2002

Er.D.Hariram

CE, (SG&SWRDC)

31.12.2002

Er.P.R.Meenakshisundaram

CE, Trichy Region, Trichy

31.12.2002

Er.S.Jayachandramohan

CE, IMTI, Trichy

3/2003

Er.R.Ganesan

CE, P.F.

22.05.2003

Er.A.Syed Jaffer Hussain

CE, I.W.S.

22.05.2003

Er.S.Sankara Narayanan

CE, Madurai Region, Madurai

21.11.2003

Er.N.Kaliappan

CE, (O & M), Chennai

23.11.2003

Er.K.Raghupathy

CE (SG&SWRDC)

29.12.2003

Er.SM.Nachiappan

CE, IMTI, Trichy

18.02.2004

Er.S.Shanmugam

CE (DR&CS), Chennai

01.03.2004

Er.V.Somasundaram

CE, P.F. Chennai

2/2004

Er.R.Sundarasekaran

CE, P.F., Chennai

18.02.2004

Er.S.Natarajan

CE, Chennai Region, Chennai

04.10.2004

Er.V.Sukumar

CE, I.W.S.

30.09.2004

Er.S.Perumal

CE, O & M, Chennai

11.2001

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226

30.09.2004

Er.K.Rangaraju Gupta

CE, Pollachi Region, Pollachi

30.09.2004

Er.A.Sangili

CE (SG&SWRDC)

30.09.2004

Er.T.Joseph Gnanadoss

CE, Trichy Region Trichy

11.12.2004

Er.R.Jagadeesan

CE (SG&SWRDC)

11.12.2004

Er.M.Palaniappan

CE, P.F.

15.12.2004

Er.R.Rengaramanujam

CE, (DR&CS)

26.05.2005

Er.K.Swathandiran

CE, Tech. Education

01.10.2005

Er.G.Pandiarajan

CE, IMTI, Trichy

07.10.2005

Er.N.Sethupathi

CE, IMTI, Trichy

14.10.2005

Er.R.Subbiah Poopandi

Special Secretary

12.12.2005

Er.V.Muthiah

CE, (O & M)

05.01.2006

Er.P.S.Mohamed Ali Jinnah

CE (SG&SWRDC)

09.12.2005

Er.R.V.S.,Vijayakumar

CE, Madurai Region, Madurai

01.06.2006

Er.T.R.V.Balakrishnan

CE (SG&SWRDC)

30.06.2006

Er.P.Mahalingam

CE, Chennai Region

30.06.2006

Er.K.Nallusamy

CE, Trichy Region, Trichy

01.07.2006

Er.M.Kalyanasundaram

CE, Pollachi Region

06.07.2006

Er.C.J.Kandasamy

CE, I.W.S.

01.07.2006

Er.P.Raman

CE (DR&CS)

30.11.2006

Er.T.Govindarajan

CE, Chennai Region

20.12.2006

Er.K.Rajendran

CE, (O & M)

25.05.2007

Er.S.Thiyagaajan

CE (SG&SAWRDC)

01.07.2007

Er.S.Gunabalan

CE (DR&CS)

7/2007

Er.T.Shanmugasundaram

CE, Madurai Region

7/2007

Er.R.Raji

CE (Buildings)

30.06.2007

Er.R.Thangaiah

CE (P.F)

7/2007

Er.M.Thanapathy

Special Secretary

7/2007

Er.K.Nagarajan

CE, Trichy Region

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227

08.01.2008

Er.S.S.Muniasamy

CE (SG&SWRDC)

31.01.2008

Er.M.Louis John

CE (SG&SWRDC)

16.04.2008

Er.G.Madusudan

CE, Chennai Region

31.08.2008

Er.C.Shanmugam

CE (SG&SWRDC)

01.09.2008

Er.D.Gridhara Rao

Special Secretary

01.09.2008

Er.P.Ramamoorthy

CE, Madurai Region

31.10.2008

Er.S.R.Rangan

CE (O & M)

31.10.2008

Er.S.Jeyaraman

CE, PF / EIC & (Gl)

29.12.2008
31.12.2008
12.02.2009
10.06.2009
10.06.2009

Er.D.Anbalagan
Er.S.Kumaresan
Er.M.Moorthy
Er.S.Rustham Ali
Er.S.Karunagaran

CE I.W.S.
CE (P .F)
CE Pollachi Region
CE (DR&CS)
CE (Buildings)

11.06.2009

Er.B.Mohammed Kasim

CE (Ground Water)

09.07.2009

Er.G.Panchanathan

CE, Pollachi Region

02.11.2009
07.11.2009
03.11.2009
09.06.2010
07.07.2010
30.06.2010
30.06.2010
05.08.2010
31.08.2010
01.12.2010
07.02.2011
07.02.2011
09.02.2011
02.03.2011
06.06.2011
07.06.2011
06.06.2011
08.08.2011
08.08.2011

Er.S.Pandian
Er.A.Natarajan
Er.A.Chandrasekaran
Er.K.P.Padmavathy
Er.P.Balasubramanian
Er.P.Sivasankaran
Er.P.Jaganathan
Er.S.Visuvasaselvakumar
Er.K.R.Govindaraju
Er.S.S.Rajagopal
Er.K.Sampath
Er.R.Thangaprakasam
Er.M.Sampathkumar
Er.R.Gopalakrishnan
Er.H.J.Nanjan
Er.M.A.Selvanathan
Er.K.Vijayakumar
Er.S.Anbazhagan
Er.S.Sampath

CE, Technical Education

CE, I.W.S.
Special Secretary
CE (DR&CS)
CE, I.M.T.I. Trichy
CE, I.W.S.
CE, Fishing Harbour Project
CE, P.F.
CE, (SG&SWRDC)
Special Secretary
CE, I.W.S.
CE (B), Trichy Region
CE (SG&SWRDC)
CE, Technical Education
CE, Chennai Region
CE (Buildings),Madurai Region
CE (O & M)
CE, DRCS, Chennai
CE, Buildings Tiruchi Region

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228

CHAPTER 32 : BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Madras Presidency Administrative Reports from the Connemara Library for year
1925 to 1939, 1944 to 1948; 1967 to 1990.
2. New Irrigation Era of Tamilnadu PWD
3. Madras information 1955-50 from Connemara Library
4. Poriyaalar Bulletins of Association of Engineers of Tamilnadu PWD
5. News Letters of Ground water
6. Eripaasanam from Minor Irrigtion (DRCS) wing.
7. 150 years History of PWD by Er. C.S. Kuppuraj
8. Nucleus Cell report of T.N.P.W.D
9. Irrigation Management role National Water Management by P.C. Mathur
10. Irrigation Reservoirs of Tamilnadu published by Irrigation Management Training
Institute, Tiruchi.
11. Papers read in the Seminar at Platinum Jubilee of department of Indian History of
University of Madras on 26 to 28 in March 2003.
12. Articles published by Dr. A Mohanakrishnan in his book Selected Papers on
Irrigation.
13. Articles and papers read at Eighth National Water Convention held from 9 to 11 of
February 2000 at Udhagamandalam
14. Irrigation cultivation statistics of the department of statistics of Tamilnadu
Government
15. Policy Notes and budget speech copies of Minister for PWD for years 1996 to 2006

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229

About the Author Er. K.RAMALINGAM

Date of birth

: 1-7-1926

Educational qualification : BE.,(civil).,B.G.L

Address

: AP 506,16 th street, J-block,

Anna Nagar, Chennai 40

Present Occupation

: Engineering Consultant &

Technical Arbitrator

Phone : 044 - 26161640

Cell -9941128751

E-mail-kempulingam@yahoo.co.in

Membership of professional Bodies :

1.

Fellow of Institution Of Engineers

2.

Fellow of the Indian Association oh Hydrologists

3.

Fellow of Indian Council of Arbitration

4.

President, Association of Engineers, TNPWD (1979 1984)

5.

President, TNPWD Senior Engineers Association (2010 2012)

Positions held:
1.

Chief Engineer (Minor Irrigation Jan to June 1984), Tamilnadu Public Works
Department

2.

Managing Director,Tamilnadu Tubewells Corporation

3.

Technical Member of the Tamilnadu State Housing Board

4.

Chairman,Technical Nucleus Cell,Mitigation of floods in Chennai Metropolis

5.

Chairman, Committee for Prevention of Sea-Erosion of Chennai and

Poompuhar

6.

Consulting Engineer for Municipalities for Storm-water drainage

7.

Engineer SC- Rocket launching Project of ISRO at Sriharikota

8.

Technical Consultant-Chennai Petroleum and Chemical Ltd.,of Govt. of India

9.

Consultant-WAPCOS-for projects like Augmenting drinking water resources

for Chennai Metropolis

10.

Executive Engineer-Neyveli Lignite Project - Construction of housing Colony

and Industrial plants
-

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

230

Continued in inner leaf

Important works Executed :1.

Investigation of Periyar Hydro-electric Prioject of Tamilnadu Electricity Board

2.

Design and planning of the Periyar and Kundah Hydro-electric projects of

TNEB

3.

Construction of Penstocks, Power-House and river-training works for Periyar

HE Scheme

4.

Modernisation of irrigation in Cauvery Delta and Grand-anicut Canal

5.

Construction of unique silt-prevention schemes in Manniar river of Cauvery

Delta

6.

Modernisation of Minor Irrigation and Irrigation tanks in Tamilnadu

7.

Development of Tube-wells for Minor Irrigation in Tamilnadu

8.

Executuion of major drains like Captain Cotton canal and Kodungayur in

Chennai

9.

Development of Tamaraipakkam well-field and execution of 11 mgd Water

supply Scheme for industries in Manali area

10.

Development of housing Colony, RocketLaunching

Sriharikota

11.

Deepening and lining of North Buckingahm navigation canal and Coovam

River inside Chennai

12.

Invesitgated Sethusamudarm Ship canal Project

13.

Constructed Fishing harbours at Chinnamuttam & Thondi .

14.

Constructed Housing Colony and industrial facilities for Neyveli Lignite

Project , Neyveli

and testing facilities at

Reports Prepared
1.

Protective measures for river and canal banks in Cauvery Delta

2.

Prevention of erosion in Royapuram and Poompuhar Sea coasts

3.

Master Plan for Prevention of stormwater submersion in and around Chennai

4.

Storm-water drainage in Municipalities of Alandur, Pallvaram and Ambattur

Technical Lectures delivered to serving engineers in TNPWD in construction of

schemes like Irrigation Crisis-management, coastal protection and development of
infra-structures etc

nrg;lk;gh; - 2011

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