Tamil Nadu restoring irrigation in 35 districts

The Tamil Nadu government plans to invest ₹722.55 crore to restore irrigation infrastructure in 35 districts. This initiative was announced by Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan during a budget session on March 24, 2025. The projects aim to conserve water, reduce wastage, and ensure fair distribution for farming. Among the projects, 149 irrigation structures will be rebuilt. Notable areas include Coimbatore, Dindigul, and Kanniyakumari. A specific focus will be on repairing the Parambikulam Main Canal in Pollachi, with a budget of ₹9.95 crore. Additionally, the Mathur Aqueduct in Kanniyakumari will be rehabilitated for ₹60 lakh. Check dams will be modernized across various districts. Waterbodies like Karambur and Tiruneermalai lakes will see enhancements to their storage capacity, costing ₹7.15 crore. In Chennai, ₹31 crore has been set aside for restoring a section of the Central Buckingham Canal. The government will also build new check dams in 21 locations across 15 districts, including Cuddalore and Vellore. A major check dam at Melpattampakkam village will require ₹63 crore. These efforts aim to manage floodwater, recharge groundwater, and help prevent future flooding. The Tirukkoilur anicut in Kallukurichi, damaged by Cyclone Fengal, will be restored with ₹130 crore. Moreover, the government is seeking approvals for projects such as a sea wall in Mayiladuthurai for coastal protection. In total, ₹149 crore is allocated for dam repairs across 16 locations, and ₹131.28 crore is set for flood mitigation in seven districts. An additional ₹338 crore will fund 12 flood management projects in Chennai and surrounding areas. These efforts focus on improving flood resilience and reducing waterlogging in key regions.