Thu Jan 09 19:27:03 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Seeks Central Funds for Water Body Restoration

**Chennai, January 10, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) urged the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources for the release of ₹60 crore in central funding for the Repair, Renovation, and Restoration (RRR) scheme. The committee, chaired by Rajiv Pratap Rudy, visited Chennai on Thursday to review various water resource projects.

The WRD highlighted the need for funds to continue phase X of the RRR scheme, a crucial part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. This phase targets the restoration of 123 water bodies across several districts, impacting nearly 24,558 acres of ayacut. The work involves desilting, infrastructure strengthening, and improving feeder channels. Of the 768 tanks slated for improvement across ten phases, 454 have been completed.

The committee also reviewed the progress of the Command Area Development and Water Management Programme, aimed at enhancing irrigation systems. Officials noted that proposals are being finalized and new guidelines are being drafted. The near-completion of the Thamirabarani-Karumeniyar and Nambiyar river interlinking project was also highlighted.

Further reviews included the Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization project and projects under the Jal Jeevan and Swachh Bharat Missions. The committee will visit the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited on Friday to examine wastewater recycling before proceeding to Andhra Pradesh.

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