8.  CHAMRAVATTOM R.C.B

     The construction of a Bridge-cum-Regulator across Bharathapuzha at Chamravattom is intended to provide additional irrigation facilities to an area of 3106 ha. (net) and 9659 ha. (gross) in Ponnani and Thirur taluks of Malappuram district. As a multipurpose project, the other benefits assured are drinking water supply in Tirur and Ponnani Municipalities and surrounding 14 Panchayats. The bridge will connect the two banks of the river, which will reduce the existing road distance of 38 km. between Ponnani and Tirur to 18 km.

     The investigation works for the Project were started in the year 1977. The Project Report was prepared in November 1983. The Project Report was first revised incorporating the comments of the Central Water Commission was submitted in November 1986. This report was subsequently revised. The Second Supplementary Project Report incorporating all the details required by the Central Water Commission was submitted in June 1988. This report was again modified in September 1990. In June 1996 this Project Report was once again revised based on the comments by the Central Water Commission and instructions from the IDRB. The original estimated cost of the project was Rs.15.81 crores. The latest revised estimated cost as per 1999 schedule of rates comes to Rs.120 crores.

     This Project does not involve any environmental or rehabilitation problems. It will help to retain the environmental and ecological systems by controlling the saline intusion and the development of flora and fauna prevalent in the locality.

     The execution works of the Project are yet to be started. Land acquisition works are not fully completed. L.A. process completed for campus area. An area of 3.8 ha. land has been taken over by the Irrigation Department. L.A. proposal for the approach road has been sent to Government. Construction of office building, staff quarters, Machinery shed, Cement Store etc. are already completed.

     The cumulative expenditure incurred upto 31.3.2001 is Rs.6.82 crores. It is reported that as per the latest revised estimates (1999 schedule of rates) an additional amount of Rs.120 crores (Rs.30 crores for the 1st year, Rs.48 crores for the 2nd year and Rs.42 crores for the 3rd year) is required for its completion.

     Recently a decision has been taken that the Project need to be taken up on BOT basis Since the Project is proposed to be taken on BOT basis, less priority may be given to include the same in the Tenth Plan and essential staff need be retained.

Suggestions

1. The project may be considered for implementation on BOT basis either fully or partially.



2. The building constructed may be given out for rent.