O M A M I P K

Attappady Valley is one of the multi-purpose, medium irrigation projects in Kerala. The project envisages the construction of a masonry dam at Chittoor across Siruvani river, a tributary of Bhavani river in Cauvery basin in Palakkad district. It is the first irrigation project in the Bhavani basin of the State. The physical target set for the project was to irrigate an ayacut of 4347 ha.(net) and 8387 (gross) in Palakkad district.

The investigation of the project was started in 1970 and the administrative sanction accorded during 1981 vide G.O.(Rt)296/81/I&R dated 23-6-1981 and G.O.(Rt.) 394/81/I&R dated 24-8-1981.

The original estimated cost of the project was Rs.476 lakhs. The cost of the project was revised five times ie., in 1977, 1982, 1992, 1996 and 1999. The revised cost of the project as per 1999 schedule of rates works out to Rs.160 crores. The reason reported was cost escalation over the periods. The details are shown below:

Cost Revision on the Project

Year	Revised Cost (Rs in crores)
1977	8.42
1982	26.00
1992	83.67
1996	115.00
1999	160.00

     The execution of the project commenced in 1980. Preliminary works such as survey and investigation, geological surveys etc. were completed. Private land to the tune of 190 ha. was acquired and 160 ha. land remains to be acquired, of which 73 ha. comprises of forest land. The blasting of rock and earth work excavation for dam foundation was partially completed. The works for combined canal from ch. 0 to 6/20 Km. has been completed partially. The rehabilitation of 51 Tribal families from the dam site has been completed. The construction work of the project was suspended in 1990 since Central Water Commission clearance was not received. The Government had decided to revive the Project and hence the Division was formed in February 2000. Final report of NEERI is awaited for taking the matter with the CWC.

     Infrastructural facilities like 13 Km. Black topped road to the dam site, utilities, bridges across Siruvani River in the downstream side of the dam site etc. completed. Permanent Division Office and sub-division office have been constructed at Agali. A project house, two site offices, workshop, store building etc. have also been constructed.

     The main problem in the execution of the project as reported by the Executive Engineer is the delay in obtaining the clearance from Central Water Commission (CWC). The matter can be taken up with the CWC only after obtaining a favorably final report from National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).

The amount required for the completion of the project was Rs.160 crores as per 1999 schedule of rates. The expenditure incurred upto 31.3.2001 was Rs.87.76 lakhs, which was mainly utilised for establishment charges. The cost per ha. for irrigation comes to Rs.3.68 lakhs. Continuation of this project needs reconsideration.

Suggestions

Since the Project is in the infant stage, it is better that instead of continuing the project as envisaged now, it is beneficial to take up small projects. The possibility of taking up a series of check dams to provide irrigation may be explored.