WATER RESOURCES ORGANIZATION

1.INTRODUCTION

Public Works Department is in change of implementing irrigation schemes and constructing buildings for State Government Department and Government agencies including maintenance of irrigation systems and public building. For effective implementation of Tamil Nadu Water resources Consolidation Project and to achieve functional specialization, the Public Works Department has been bifurcated as Water Resources Organization and Buildings Organization.

1.1 OBJECTIVES OF W.R.O.

To formulate and implement major, medium and minor irrigation schemes.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF BUILDINGS ORGANIZATION

1.3 STATUS OF IRRIGATION IN TAMILNADU

Tamilnadu with a geographical area of 13 million hectares is ranked eleventh in size among the Indian States. The net area sown in Tamilnadu is about 6 million hectares of which about 3 million hectares or 50% get irrigation facilities from sources as given below:
1. Government canals : 0.95 million hectares.
2. Tanks : 0.90 million hectares.
3. Wells, Tube wells etc., : 1.15 million hectares.
There are 57 P.W.D. Dams and 39,202 tanks in the State.Out of 39,202 tanks.
P.W.D. Tanks :8,939
(Rainfed : 5242+ System Tanks:3,697)
Ex.Zamin Tanks : 9,850.
Panchayat Union Tanks : 20,413

1.4 DEVELOPMENT OF IRRIGATION IN TAMILNADU

The ultimate irrigation potential of Tamilnadu through Major and Medium Irrigation sources was assessed as 1.5 million hectares by the National Commission on Agriculture in 1976. At the commencement of the First Five year Plan there were 23 Major and Medium irrigation projects benefiting 1.10 million hectares. In the plan periods up to 1997-98, the area under irrigation has risen to 1.476 million hectares. During 1988-99, an irrigation potential of 1620 hectares is expected to be created.

ORGANIZATION SET UP

Under the Water Resources Organization, the water management in the state has been decentralized along Basin lines and for effective control, the entire state has been divided into 4 Regions, viz

1. Chennai
2. Tiruchi
3. Pollachi
4. Madurai
With each Region headed by Chief Engineer.

A. CHENNAI REGION CHENNAI
1. Araniyar
2. Kosasthalaiyar
3. Cooum
4. Adyar
5. Palar
6. Ongur
7. Varahanadhi
8. Malattaru
9. Penniyar
10. Gadilam
11. Vellar (upto Coleroon)

B. TRICHI REGION, TIRUCHI
1. Cauvery
2. Agniar
3. Ambuliyar
4. Vellar
5. Koluvanar
6. Pambar

C. POLLACHI REGION, POLLACHI
Tributaries of Cauvery such as:
1. Amarvathi
2. Bhavani
3. Noyyal
4. Korangam pallam
5. Palar
6. Periyapallam and
7. West flowing Rivers

D. MADURAI REGION, MADURAI
1. Manimuthar
2. Kottakkariyar
3. Vaigai
4. Uthrakosamangayar
5. Gundar
6. Vembaru
7. Vaippar
8. Kallar
9. Korampallamaru
10. Tambaraparani
11. Karumeniyar
12. Nambiyar
13. Hanumanadhi
14. Palayaru
15. Valliyar
16. Kodayar

2. ACTIVITIES OF W.R.O

At present, the following projects and programmes are in progress;
1. Medium Irrigation Schemes.
2. Minor Irrigation Schemes.
3. Special Minor Irrigation Programme
4. Water Resources Consolidation Project.
5. Modernization of Periyar Vaigai Irrigation System
6. Tank Modernization Scheme with European Economic Commission Assistance.
7. Rehabilitation of Minor Irrigation Tanks for Rural Development for OBCF(Japan) Assistance.
8. Rehabilitation of Minor Irrigation Tanks for Rural Development with World Bank Assistance.
9. State Tank Irrigation Project.
10.Desilting of Tanks
11.Integrated Tribal Development Programme,
12.Hill Area Development Programme.
13.Western Ghats Development Programme
14.Scheme with NABARD Assistance.
15.Modernisation and desilting of Cauvery Delta.
16.Krishna Water Supply Project.
17.World Bank Aided Hydrology Project.
18.Dam Safety Assurances and rehabilitation Project.
19.Rehabilitation and Reclamation of Chennai City Waterways.
20.Anti-sea Erosion Works.
21.Diversion of West Flowing Rivers of Kerala to Tamilnadu.

2.1 MEDIUM IRRIGATION SCHEMES.

The following medium irrigation schemes are in progress:
1.Strengthening of Periyar Dam (Peer, Medu, Kerala State)
2.Nanganjiyar Reservoir (Dindugul District)
3.Irukkangudy Reservoir (Virudunagar District)

2.2 MINOR IRRIGATION SCHEMES

Under minor irrigation schemes externally aided projects and other State Plan Schemes in respect of Surface Water Tanks and Ground water are taken up. The details of such schemes are explained below at appropriate places. It is proposed to take  up 8 new schemes (part II schemes) during 1998-99.

2.3 SPECIAL MINOR IRRIGATION PROGRAMMES (S.M.I.P.)

This scheme contemplates formation of new tanks, construction of anicuts, excavation of link channels, restoration of abandoned tanks, formation of ponds etc, leading to assured irrigation and creating additional irrigation potential, distilling cum reclamation schemes, desalting of tanks to restore the lost capacity due to silation with reclamation of foreshore lands. It is proposed to take up 19 new schemes (part II schemes) during 1988-99.

2.4 WATER RESOURCES CONSOLIDATION PROJECT (W.R.C.P.)

The W.R.C.P. provides for rehabilitation and modernization of all irrigation systems in Tamilnadu (expect Cauvery Delta System) and for completion of the nine ongoing minor irrigation projects, viz.
1. Poigaiyar reservoir (Kanyakumari district)
2. Nambiyar Reservoir (Tirunelveli District)
3. Southparai Reservoir (Theni District)
4. Kodumudiyar Reservoir (Tirunelveli District)
5. Vadakkupachayar Reservoir (Tirunelveli District)
6. Adavinainarkoil Reservoir (Tirunelveli District)
7. Gridhamal anicut ( Virudhunagar District)
8. Rajathopekanar Reservoir (Vellore District) schemes.
The project is implemented as a sector investment loan, financing an agreed statewide Programme to improve the productivity and sustainability of Tamilnadu's irrigation sector, to introduce multi- sect oral water planning, to integrate farmers in irrigation management and to strengthen the State's institutional and technical capability in water development, management and planning.

2.5 MODERNIZATION OF PERIYAR VAIGAI IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

 Modernization of Periyar Vaigai Irrigation System was conceived to reduce the conveyance loss and operational loss through rehabilitation and modernization of canal system. The irrigation water thus saved is used for extending irrigation facilities to additional ayacut. The project was taken up in 2 stages for implementation with World Bank Credit Assistance to provide benefits in Madurai and SivagangaiDistrict. The state I of the project benefit ring an additional extent of 10,305 hectares was completed in August 1984. The state II of the project to benefit an additional extent of 8,539 hectares was taken up for execution in October 1983.
The formation of link canal connecting pick up anicut just 1 km below Vaigai Dam and Periyar Main canal near Peranai Regulator was taken up in 1991 and the work has been completed and put into use. The World Bank Credit Assistance was closed by October 1993. The balance works under link canal which were unfinished in October 1993 have also been completed now.
The main items of the tail end works in the system to extend irrigation facilities to Thirupathur Tank and a group of 13 other tanks in Thirupathur taluk, and Maravamangalam Tank and group of 40 other tanks in Sivangangai taluk in Sivangangai district have been competed during 1997-98 to benefit an additional extent of 2,183 hectares.
Distributary network under link canals to benefit an additional extent of 1,620 hectares in Madurai and Dindugal Districts has been taken up under W.R.C.P. Besides improvements to major tanks, bye-pass chennel cross drainage works, measuring devices etc in the system are also proposed under W.R.C.P.

2.6 TANK MODERNIZATION SCHEME WITH EUROPE ON ECONOMIC COMMISSION ASSISTANCE.

A project for modernization of 206 rain fed tanks with ayacut less than 200 hectares each was completed in September 1991 as Phase I Programme. The project covered Kancheepuram, Tiruvallore, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Pudukottai, sivagangai, Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar Districts.
A project for modernization of rain fed tanks with ayacut between 100 hectares and 200 hectares each and Ex-Zamin tanks with ayacut between 4 hectares and 50 Hectares was taken up August 1989 as Phase II. Works in 207 rebuffed abd 80 Ex-Zamin tanks were completed up to 1966-97. Works in 50 rain fed tanks have been taken up during 1997-98. It is programmed to compete 60 rain fed tanks during 1998-99.
The Tank Modernization Project is to be competed by December 1999. The project covers Kancheepuram, Tiruvallore, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tiruchi, Perambalur, Karur, Dindugal, Theni, Madurai, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli Districts.

2.7. REHABILITATION OF MINOR IRRIGATION TANKS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT FOR       OECF(JAPAN)   ASSISTANCE.

A project report for rehabilitation of 2500 rain fed tanks with ayacut between 40 hectares and 400 hectares each was sent to Government of India in September 1994, It is proposed to include the tanks in recon struction of weirs and sluices and selective lining of field channels. This project will be implemented in all the districts except Chennai and Nilgiris to benefit 4,51,500 hectares. The Project Report prepared by the Task Force Committee is under process in the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India.

2.8 STATE TANK IRRIGATION PROJECT

This scheme exclusively provides for standardization and modernization of P.W.D. and Ex-Zamin Irrigation tanks. All Ex-Zamin tanks, after standardization, will be handed over either to the Panchayat Union or to the P.W.D. depending on their size further maintenance.

2.9 DESALTING OF TANKS.

The work for desalting of 200 tanks in Tamilnadu based on the recommendations of the M.L.As is now in progress.

2.10 INTEGRATED TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (ITDP)

This programme is being implemented with the assistance of Government of India to upgrade the standard of the Tribal People by giving them improved irrigation facilities. The Government of Tamilnadu have identified the hill areas as Tribal areas in the following Districts:
a. Vellore.
b. Tiruvannamalai
c. Villupuram
d. Salem
e. Namakkal
f. Dharmapuri and
g. Tiruchirapalli
Under this Programme, construction of check dams and percolation ponds to improve irrigation is taken up.

2.11 HILL AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (HADP)

This Programme is being implemented from 1978-79 on wares in Nilgiris district. The work of construction of check dams across jungle streams is taken up under this Programme with 100% Central Assistance.

2.12 WESTERN GHATS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (WGDP)

This programme is implemented from 1986-87 onwards in 24 selected taluks of Coimbatore, Erode, Dindugal, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari Districts. Construction of check dams and formation of new ponds and improvements to supply channels are executed under WGDP

2.13 SCHEMES WITH NABARD ASSISTANCE

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has accorded sanction for one Minor Irrigation Scheme and eight S.M.I.P. Schemes with a loan assistance under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) -II. These nine schemes are spread over in eight District as detailed below:

M.I.SCHEME ESTIMATE COST

 shengagathope Reservoir Scheme in 1998.00 Tiruvannamalai distict S.M.I.P SCHEMES.
1. Ariyakunjur Pond in Tiruvannamalai District
2. Vattuvanahalli Pond in Dharmapuri District
3. Pappakudi New Tank in Virudhunagar District
4. Vellalagundam Pond in Salem Distict
5. Koundampalayam Pond in Erode District
6. Vadavedampatti Pond in Coimbatore district
7. Ariyanayakipuram New Tank in Tuticorin District
8. Soriampatti New Tank in Pudukottai District
                                                                   

2.14 MODERNIZATION AND DESILTING OF CAUVERY DELTA

The modernization of channels in Cauvery Delta like lining and masonry works was taken up and completed to meet the urgent needs of the irrigation under the State Funds. Now these works in Thanjavur channels in Kumbakonam town have been taken up and are in progress.
The desalting and removing ipomea (Neiveli Kattamanakku) in Cauvery delta rivers, drains, channels and tanks were carried out giving priority to the most affected places during the closure period. Desalting works were done during 1997-98 for a length of 940 km. In rivers and drains 1470 km. In A B Channels and 74 nos. of tanks. The desalting work has improved the rivers and channels considerably. Hence, the people have requested for continuing the desilting works in the ensuing years also. During the irrigation Conference held in December 1997 at Nagapattinam., Thiruvarur and Thanjavur, it was unanimously suggested to do desalting work during 1998, closure also. Therefore, this work is continued during this year Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam Districts.

2.15 KRISHNA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT (K.W.S.P)

Most of the K.W.S.P. works in Tamilnadu have been completed except certain residual works like Cooum Syphon works, Renewal of shutters of Poondi Regulator etc, which are in progress. So far 2.09 TMC of Krishna Water had been received at Tamilnadu border.

2.16 WORLD BANK AIDED HYDROLOGY PROJECT

This project which is implemented with World Bank Aid envisages improvement and strengthening of the institutional capabilities of the state to measure, collect, Transmit, analyse, disseminate and use surface and ground water data both in quantity and quality for Hydrology Designs and River Basin Planning.  During 1997-98, 400 bore wells were sunk. Action has been taken to create building facilities for the offices and laboratories at Chennai, Tiruchi, Pollachi and Madurai. Procurement of Water Level recorders, Current Meters, Wireless Sets,. Laboratory Equipment and Vehicles has been made.

2.17 DAM SAFETY ASSURANCE AND REHABILITATION PROJECT

i. Institutional strengthening
ii. Upgrading Basic Safety Facilities at Dam Site.
iii. Rehabilitation of Dams.
24 dams have been identified for providing basic facilities like access roads, back-up power and instrumentation. Access road has been provided for 19 dams and 10 dams have been provided with back-up generator. A communication network has been established with 9 High Frequency (HF) units, 63 very High Frequency (VHF) units and 32 Mobile Units. It is proposed to install Seismic Instruments, Piezometers, Automatic Water level Recorders and other instruments at Mettur, Manimuthar and Sathanur Dams.
The project for rehabilitation of Dams was restructured and extended for another two years, and only 4 dams are now funded by the World Bank. The work providing energy dissipation arrangements in Periyar Dam is under implementation . Rehabilitation works in Gomukhi, Manimuthar and Pechipari Dams are in progress.

2.18 REHABILITATION AND RECLAMATION OF CHENNAI CITY WATERWAYS.

Removal of sludge and silt up to the original bed level of Buckingham Canal for a distance of 0 to 4 km. From confluence point of Cooum to R.K.Mutt Bridge, Luz was already completed. Due to the implementation of the scheme, the residents of Chepauk, Triplicane and Mylapore areas were substantially got rid of sufferings by inundation during the entire rainy season of December 1996. The works such as desilting of the balance Central B canal from R.K.Mutt Bridge to Adayar, desilting of Otteri Nullah, and raising and strengthening the banks of Adayar river in Kotturpuram area have been taken up for execution.
It is also proposed to rehabilitate and Reclaim all the City Watersays, based on the Master Plan to be finalized, either on a BOT basis or with the external fund assistance which will be decided bythe Government.

2.19 ANTI-SEA EROSION WORKS

Action is being taken by the Government for protecting the coastal line and safeguarding the Ennore Express Way in a phased manner.  The anti-sea erosion works taken up in Kanyakumari district at Mandaikadupudur and West Neerodi have been completed and the works in North Chennai are in progress.
The Government have sanctioned 3 works in Nagapattinam district for construction of rubble mound sea wall in tharangambadi and in Poombugar and for providing revetment for protecting the sea erosion in common bank of Kaduvaiyar in akkaraipettai village and these works will be taken up for execution.
A project proposal for Anti-Sea Erosion works of Tamilnadu State for incorporation in the National Coastal Protection Project for posing it to possible external assistance is prepared and sent to the Government.
In order to have a permanent and effective solution for North Chennai (Royapuram sea erosion), it is proposed to have a model study conducted for adopting grayness perpendicular to the shore as a joint venture with the expertise of Netherlands and India. The Netherlands Government have come forward to share 40% of the cost in providing the grayness and the proposal is now under active consideration, of the Government.

2.20 DIVERSION OF WEST FLOWING RIVERS OF KERALA TO TAMILNADU

The National Water Development Agency has formulated the Pamba- Achankovil-Vaippar link project which envisages diversion of the surplus waters of Pamba and Achankovil rivers of Kerala to Tamilnadu. The project contemplates diversion of about 22 TMC of water to Tamilnadu to irrigate an ayacut of 91,400 hectares in Kovilpatti, Sankarankovil, Sivagiri, Rajapalayam, Sathur and Tenkasi taluks.
The proposal will also facilitate generating powers to a tune of 1114 M.U. per year. The Government of Tamilnadu accepted this proposal and initiated action to obtain clearance of the Central Water Commission. This Government is also taking appropriate steps to obtain the concurrence of the Government of Kerala to this proposal.  Weekly Water Shandy by territorial Section Officers to achieve this objective. The list of territorial Sections under each territorial division in the States is furnished in Annexure IV.

3.1 SERVICES OF W.R.O. 

3.1.1 NECESSITY

Irrigation in our State is largely affected in view of the shortage in water resources due to decrease in the water sources because of the increasing use of water in Cauvery and some other rivers by the upstream States and also, due to the frequent failure of monsoon and increase in population. In these circumstances, it is our primary function to concentrate or irrigation management and its economic usage so as to follow the procedures for better distribution of available water. This can be achieved only with the co-operation of farmers, and the Government is also anxious to effectively involve the farmers in the management of irrigation systems in the State. The Government (G.O.Ms.No. 798 Public Works (W2) Dept dt.31.12.97) have therefore, issued orders to start Weekly Water Shandy in all irrigation commands to facilitate all the Section Officers and their irrigation staff to implement water management practices in consultation with farmers.

3.1.2 IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES

* This Programme has been started in all irrigation systems including commands under rain fed tanks.
* The Section Officer in charge of the system shall present in his office at 3.00 p.m every Monday along   with his irrigation staff in charge of operation and maintenance
* He shall display water availability in the source and in the irrigation systems serving the command in his  jurisdiction.
* He shall explain to the farmers the water regulation in the different limbs of irrigation system adopted in the past week, furnish details for the water availability in the system and seek their suggestions for  an action  plan for regulation for the current week.
* He will draw the action plan for the week after discussion with the farmers, and the Irrigation Inspectors and the Irrigation Assistants will be accordingly instructed on the spot.
* This Programme should go on week after week throughout the year.
* The Weekly Water Shandy shall give ample scope for a free discussion of the problems faced.
* Since all the discussions are in the open in the assembly of farmers involving them, the farmers will realize the benefits of efficient water management which will in due course lead to better use of irrigation water.

3.2 MEANS OF INFORMATION TO FARMERS

* As the farmers are present every week in the section office, the information on the schemes regarding  surface and ground water and the details of the schemes under investigation within its jurisdiction will be  furnished in the notice board.
* It shows the name of the schemes, estimate amount villages benefited, Ayacut area, lands to be acquired, name of the contractor, period of execution, date of commencement, target date of completion  and the  remaining days for completion.
* These information boards will be kept at the place of execution and in the nearby main highways so  as to make the public and the beneficiaries aware of such government schemes.
* The salient features of the schemes will also be indicated in the notice board.
* Necessary liaflets will be distributed in the section office.
* Information relating to Drinking Water Supply Schemes and Industrial Water Supply Schemes in his  jurisdiction , if required by the public, will be obtained from the department concerned or his counterpart  and informed by the Section Officer.
* If more details are needed, the Section Officer will invite is counterpart to participate in the next Weekly  Water Shandy for a discussion with the public.
* If there is river water available for drinking purpose and industrial use, the public can get information on the  quantum of water available.
* If water is needed in a large scale, the public can approach the next higher authority and discuss it.
* If a pond or a tank has to be formed for public use, the Section Officer will offer his suggestions therefore.
* Territorial Section Officer will, therefore, act as a liaison officer.

3.3 FARMERS PARTICIPATION PLANNING

* Participation of farmers is very important in the planning stage itself especially regarding cropping pattern,  it  is necessary to obtain the views of the farmers.
* This subject can also be discussed in the Weekly Water shandy.
* In addition, the Section Officer will explain to the farmers about the benefits of the water saved by  adopting the special methods of irrigation such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation and thereby a the additional ayacut benefited.
* The Weekly Water shandy will, therefore, be useful discussion.

3.4 FARMERS PARTICIPATION IN MAINTENANCE WORKS

* There are 93 irrigation systems maintained by W.R.O. and separate provision for each system is made in the  budget every year based on the nature and periodicity of maintenance works. The names of these   irrigation systems are given in annexure V.
* All other rain fed tanks and minor diversion works are classified as non-system works and are maintained by  W.R.O. under a separate lump sum grant.
* Whenever there is natural calamity, separate special funds are made available by the government to meet out the restoration works of the damaged structures.
* The Section Officer, after duly consulting the farmers, will decide the priority for taking up the maintenance  works out of the budget provision allocated for such works.
* If the farmers themselves come forward to do the maintenance works which they need, the section  Officer  will suggest them as to how to execute the work economically either with the help of machinery's  or with the  man power.

3.5 FARMERS - HIGHER OFFICIALS MEET.

* Since most of the problems faced by the farmers are discussed and solved in the Weekly Shandy,  they can discuss their problems and needs which do not come under the purview of the Section Officer  with  the higher officials periodically to find solution therefore
* The interval for such discussion is indicated below:
* Assistance Executive Engineers -once in a month.
* Executive Engineers -once in 2 months.
* Superintending Engineer -once in 3 months
* Chief Engineer -once in 6 months
*Every Officer will conduct the meetings in his office regularly

3.6 IRRIGATION CONFERENCE.

* To facilitate the farmers and the officers to discuss freely about the remaining new schemes and the  distribution of irrigation water, Irrigation Conference will be arranged in each District once in year.
* A souvenir covering the details of Irrigation in the District and the problems of the farmers etc., will be  published in the conference.
* The souvenir will contain all the details required by the farmers.

3.7 INFORMATION CENTRES.

* Information counters are opened at the Office of the Executive engineer, Superintending engineer and  Chief  Engineer
* Petitions are received duly giving necessary acknowledgement therefore.
* Its stage will also be informed to the public immediately.

3.8 SERVICES OF I.M.T.I.

* The Irrigation Management Training Institute at Thuvakudy in Tiruchi District is imparting training to the   farmers to encourage their participation in the maintenance of irrigation systems and management of   irrigation water regulation.
* Appreciation Workshops and Seminars for creating an awareness on the necessity of adopting  management  techniques in irrigation water are also conducted in various districts.

3.9 SERVICES OF GOUND AND SURFACE WATER WING

3.9.1. CONSULTANCY SERVICES
* The site for digging wells in public land is identified through the Ground water wing of P.W.D.
* The benefits of such analysis can be realized within a minimum period of one week after paying the  prescribed fees.

3.9.2 WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS

* Water samples are also tested and recommended as to whether it is fit for drinking and agricultural   purposes.
* The benefits of such tests can be realized within a minimum period of seven days after paying the  prescribed fees according to the nature of the tests.

3.9.3 ELECTRICAL LOGGING SERVICE

* Already constructed wells (Bore wells) are electrically logged and the formation yielding more water are measured in depth after paying the prescribed fees.
* The quality of water is also determined.
* The results of such analysis can be received within a minimum period of one week after paying the prescribed fees.
* More details including the officers whom to be contacted to make use of the above services are available  in  Annexure VI

CONCLUSION

It is now realized that one of the steps for providing effective and responsive Government is to ensure greater transparency in administration and right to Information to the public. Therefore, this CITIZENS' CHARTER is brought out to achieve the following goals:
        i. Responsive accountable, transparent and citizen - friendly administration at all levels.
        ii. Easy access of the people to all information relating to Government activities and decision 
        iii. People's participation & dedicated voluntary agencies in all the schemes.
The Government believe that the public will utilize the services of Public Works Department to a large extent.

Source: www.tn.gov.in