The Hindu               27.12.2013

Second phase of concrete-lining of canal to prevent pollution

The second phase of concrete-lining project of Kalingarayan Canal is at tender stage.

Civil works of the project for which the State Government has sanctioned Rs. 41 crore were likely to commence during February. The project envisages concrete lining of the canal to a distance of three miles and three furlongs over a six-month duration, official sources said.

In the first phase, concrete-lining of the canal was taken up to a distance of six miles and four furlongs from the starting point at an expenditure of Rs. 50 crore.

The second phase of the project also involves extending construction of a baby canal meant to carry sewage water and industrial effluents into the Cauvery.

In the absence of the baby canal, dyeing industries continue to divert their effluent directly into the canal.

While the second phase of the project would prevent pollution of the canal to a significant extent, the water body could be completely safeguarded from pollution only if it is concrete-lined till the 14th mile, sources said.

The project also serves the purpose of ensuring the reach of the water to the tail-end areas, as the project enables preventing loss of water due to seepage, the sources said.