2. IDAMALAYAR
The works relating to Idamalayar Hydro electric project commenced in 1981. The project envisages the utilisation of the water of Idamalayar, a tributary of the Periyar, for irrigation and power development. A 90 metre high dam is proposed at Ennakal with a live storage of 110 m.cum. (35.9 TMC) and a catchment area of 381 sq.kms. Though designed for power development the scheme is also intended for irrigation and the release pattern is according to the irrigation and other needs.
The original estimate of the project was Rs.17.85 crores. The estimate has been revised due to the revision of schedule of rates and change in original design. The latest revised estimate of the project as per 1999 schedule of rates is Rs.298.62 crores. Original targetted year of completion was by the end of 8th Five Year Plan. At present, the project is proposed to be completed by the end of 2007-08. Non-transfer of forest land, inadequate budget provisions and letter of credit is the major reasons for re-scheduling.
The tail-race water from the Idamalayar Power house impounded by the Periyar barrage at Bhoothathanket under the Periyar Valley Irrigation Scheme is drawn through the canal system to be constructed under the project. The main feature of the scheme is the construction of the main canal from Periyar Barrage to the right. This canal divides into two - Low level canal and Link canal. The low level canal is intended to irrigate low lying areas and the link canal is connected with the Chalakkudy L.B. Main Canal at Poothamkutty. Works on the right bank include construction of a main canal for a length of 32.278 km., a link canal for 6.75 km. and low level canal for a length of 27.25 km. and distributories to a length of 91.25 km. The project is intended to irrigate an area of 14394 ha. (net) and 29036 ha. (gross).
The physical achievements include completion of works to a length of 8.182 km. in the main canal and 3.583 km. in the low level canal. Land acquisition for the distributories are in progress. An area of 87.134 ha. of land is to be handed over. Details of the progress of works are given below:
Physical Progress
Length (km)
Main canal Link canal Low level canal Distributories The funds allotted earlier to this project could not be utilised fully because of non-availability of land for construction; i.e., forest land. Seignorage charges, afforestation charges etc. were paid to the Forest Department during 1981-82. Amount requested by the Forest Department were fully paid for the whole land except from ch.3075 m. to 11589 m. An amount of Rs 1.02 crores is to be paid to the Forest Department for the land from ch. 3075 m. to 11589 m., as per the decision in the high level meeting held on 3.5.2000. Clear felling of trees in the land is already over and the land is ready for handing over. Although the Irrigation Department has fulfilled the whole conditions and actions put forward by the Forest Department, the land is not yet handed over.
The investigation works of the canals are over and estimates are ready. If the land is handed over, the works can be arranged. In the high level meeting held on 3.5.2000 by the Minister of Irrigation and Forest, the Forest Department have agreed to hand over the entire land on payment of Rs.1.02 crores. The Divisional Forest Officer, Malayattoor requested to remit an amount of Rs 4.70 crores instead of Rs 1.02 crores. The Forest Department has not yet explained why the amount agreed to in the high level meeting increased subsequently. At the same time, the Forest Department had clarified earlier that they require only the losses in the value of trees when it is sold out. The trees were not yet sold out by the Forest Department and the assessment of losses before that cannot be justified.The issue of transfer of forest land were again taken up and decision was taken in the high level meeting held on 19-9-01 to transfer the land by the end of September 2001. The amount demanded by the forest authorities in that meeting was Rs.30 lakhs (approx.). The actual figure is to be intimated by the forest authorities and the amount can be paid on receipt of sufficient funds and letter of credits.
The Forest Department has given the land for the canal, which was already assigned in lease to private parties. There was uncontrolled mining in that area by private parties. Hence the levels were deepened to such an extent that the canal which was proposed in cutting has to be constructed either by filling or by constructing acquducts. By this procedure, the design of the canal has been changed and the cost will be very high which in turn leads to huge expenditure on project. This matter is to be solved at higher levels.
At the same time, a court case is pending related to Main canal from ch .625 to 1350 m. Termination order stayed by the Hon. High Court.
Expenditure incurred upto 31.3.2001 is Rs.118.50 crores. Details are given below.
Financial Progress (as on 31.3.2001)
(Rs in lakhs)
Head works Main canal Branch canal Administrative Other item of works
The budget estimate for 2001-02 is Rs.24 crores and the anticipated expenditure is Rs.16.50 crores. Details of amount required for completion of the project (year wise) as per latest revised estimate is given below:Year-wise Amount Required for Completion
Balance amount required for completion of the project (item-wise) from 1.4.2002 is Rs.163.63 crores. However, the balance amount required for completion of sanctioned work (item-wise) from 1.4.02 is Rs.70.96 crores.
- Issue Relating to the transfer of forest land to the Irrigation Department may be settled without further delay.
- As per the latest revised estimate the balance amount required for the completion of the Project is Rs.300 crores. This may escalate upto Rs.500 crores at the time of completion. The per hectare cost may work out to Rs.2 lakhs which is not economical.
- The Project may be revised and scaled down judiciously keeping in view the ayacut area benefited and the approval of the redesigned Project incorporating modifications of C. R. D obtained and the Project completed within the Tenth Five Year Plan.
- Inadequate earmarking of funds for the Project during the Tenth Plan will lead to further escalation of costs and will spill over to Eleventh Plan. Hence adequate funds and letter of credit required for completing the project may be provided every year as per the revised schedule.