High Court asks PWD to file report on Avinashi-Athikadavu project.

The Madras High Court recently directed the State PWD to file a status report on the Avinashi-Athikadavu ground water project which was mooted 55 years ago. A Division Bench comprising Justices M.M.Sundresh and R.Mahadevan said the report should be filed by April 23.

The petitioner, R.Othisamy, a social worker of Vadugapalayam in Coimbatore district, said there was no proper water resource available in Coimbatore and Tirupur districts. Several hectares had become dry due to lack of water.

For the past several decades, repeated requests were made by the general public, including agriculturists, social service organisations, MLAs and MPs to the State and Central Governments in this regard.

Therefore, the Tamil Nadu Government had proposed to implement the project.

For the project , water meant for Kundah power house was to be used. It was also named the Mel Bhavani project.

In 1972, it was rechristened as Athikadavu-Avinashi ground water project.

The government's initial estimate revealed that 12 tmcft released over 20 days at 750 cusecs per day would help to recharge the ground water resources in the two districts. The cost of the project was Rs. 1,862 crore.

It was approved by the State Government in principle and forwarded to the Centre. The issue remained close to the hearts of people who were residing in Tirupur and Coimbatore areas, the petitioner said.

THE HINDU