3.  MUVATTUPUZHA

     Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project is a major multipurpose project started during 1974. The original estimate was Rs.20.86 crores. The investigation works on the project was started in 1962 and continued upto 1972. The estimated cost of the project at present is Rs.590.00 crores. The works connected with the project started in 1974. Administrative sanction was accorded vide G.O.(Rt.)45/W&P/75 dated 8.2.75. The project envisages provision of irrigation facilities in 18616 ha. of land utilising the tailrace water from Idukki Hydro-Electric Project and run off from the catchment stream of Thodupuzha river by constructing a dam at Malankara - 8 km. upstream of Thodupuzha town.

     The original estimate was revised thrice during 1980, 1990 and 1996. Latest estimate as per 1999 schedule of rates is under preparation. Major deviations from the original design and cost escalation led to the revision of estimates. The design of head works to the mini hydro-electric project of 10 MW has been changed. The project is scheduled for completion by 2003. Besides irrigation, the project aims at.

  1. Generation of 4.77 MW of power;

  2. Release of 700 cusecs of water for effluent treatment in Newsprint factory down steam at Velloor; and

  3. Release of 65 cusecs of water for industrial and domestic water supply.

     The left bank canal has a length of 37.10 km. It is designed to irrigate an area of 13592 ha. The right bank canal is 28.34 km long to irrigate 5024 ha. The command area of the project comprises of both wet and dry lands and 64.6% of irrigation is meant for paddy and 35.4% for tree/garden crops. The ayacut of the project stretches out in the districts of Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki benefiting the taluks of Muvattupuzha, Thodupuzha, Kothamangalam, Kottayam, Vaikom and Meenachil.

     The details of works executed under the project and expenditure incurred as on 31-3-2001, anticipated expenditure during 2001-02 and balance required for completion are furnished below.

                                                            (Rs in Lakhs)

Item of Work
Expenditure
incurred as
on 31-3-01
Anticipated
expenditure
during 2001-02
Balance
required
after 1.4.2002
Head works
2420.96
225.00
508.00
Main canal
13424.58
935.00
2368.00
Branch canal
6720.20
873.00
4501.00
Distributories
5898.31
1322.00
13393.00
Administrative
3217.54
-
282.00
Other items: Buildings
437.59
77.00
900.00
charged/LA
1199.81
300.00
-
Total
33318.99
3732.00
21952.00

     A sum of Rs.333.19 crores has been spent till 31.3.2001 and the anticipated expenditure during the current year is Rs.37.32 crores . Balance amount required for completion of the project is Rs.219.52 crores. The total cost of the project will be Rs.590 crores. Though the project was started in 1974, the process of land acquisition has not yet been completed.

     The physical achievements made under the project are completion of works on right bank main canal to a length of 16.27 km., left bank canal of 33.869 km. ,branch canals of 15.865 km.and 28.012 km. of distributories. The ayacut has not been irrigated till date. Details of physical achievements of the project is given below:

                                                            (Length (Km)

Name of Canal
Total
Completed
Work in progress
R.B. Canal
28.337
16.270
6.675
L.B. Canal
37.100
33.869
3.231
Branch Canal
58.500
15.865
28.655
Distributories
184.00
28.012
75.327
Total
307.937
94.016
113.888


     The reasons for tardy progress of implementation of the project are paucity of funds and pending vigilance cases. Over and above there is delay in the land acquisition process. Government intervention is necessary to expedite the vigilance cases and to mobilise the requisite funds. The court stays are to be vacated at the earliest. Lack of supply of construction materials in sufficient quantities also contributed to the slow progress of implementation. The project is reported to have been posed for World Bank assistance and also to the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) of Government of India. Though due attention and higher outlays were provided during the previous two Five Year Plans the above said factors urged the continuance of the project to the Tenth Five Year Plan.

Suggestions
  1. Steps are to be taken to expedite pending vigilance cases.


  2. Court stays are to be vacated.


  3. Ensure adequate supply of construction materials.


  4. Since more than Rs.350 crores has been spent for this Project, top priority may be given to complete it within two or three years..


  5. External assistance for the completion of the Project can also be explored.