Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Announces Major Development Projects for Madurantakam and Dharapuram

Chennai, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay unveiled a series of significant development initiatives for Madurantakam and Dharapuram on October 19. These projects include a ₹1,439 crore joint drinking water scheme, the establishment of a government women’s college, improvements to irrigation systems, and housing initiatives.

The announcements follow the recent victories of candidates from the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) in the assembly by-elections for Madurantakam and Dharapuram. According to a government statement, Vijay has instructed relevant departments to expedite the implementation of these plans.

A major highlight is a new drinking water scheme based on the Cauvery River, which is set to benefit 1,232 rural settlements currently lacking access to the existing water supply network. This scheme will cover areas including Dharapuram, Kangeyam, Kundadam, Pongalur, and Vellakoil, as well as seven panchayats in Mula Noor and 17 in Palladam.

Out of the 2,455 rural settlements in the district, 1,223 already receive water through the Cauvery joint drinking water system. In the Dharapuram constituency, 2,700 land titles will be distributed for housing to homeless beneficiaries. The government will also take steps to grant land titles to approximately 87 families residing in Guruvappa Naikenpalayam village for the past two decades.

To enhance irrigation, 159 projects will be undertaken at a cost of around ₹10 crore to remove silt from irrigation canals across the district. In the Dharapuram constituency, approximately 271 kilometers of canals will be cleared of silt, shrubs, and other obstructions. New overhead water tanks will be constructed, providing around 13,000 drinking water connections.

Additionally, a new fire and rescue service station will be established in Mula Noor. Announcements for the Dharapuram municipality include improvements to water supply, a new overhead reservoir costing ₹6 crore, streetlights costing ₹4 million, and solid waste management projects worth ₹6 crore.

The government also plans to enhance stormwater drainage systems. In the Madurantakam constituency, a new arts and science college for women will be set up in Acharapakkam at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore.

Further agricultural infrastructure will receive a boost with the construction of a semi-covered rice storage facility in Athur, which will have a capacity of 20,000 metric tons and cost ₹20 crore. Six rice procurement centers will be established in the Madurantakam block, each costing ₹3 million, totaling ₹1.80 crore. Additionally, a government seed farm will be developed over 25 acres at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore.

Water management projects will include the construction of a check dam in Pukkaturai at a cost of ₹5 crore, repairs to sluice gates at a lake in Chemboondi at ₹4.5 crore, and strengthening and dredging of ponds in Nelvoy at a cost of ₹1.3 crore. A feasibility study for a proposed high-level check dam on the Palar River between Padalam and Udayambakkam will also be conducted.

The existing Madurantakam high-level canal, built in 1984 to supply water to 30 lakes, will undergo silt removal and structural renovation. Plans are underway to develop a park with tourism and recreational facilities near Madurantakam Lake. Other initiatives include a hostel for working women, a ₹3 crore knowledge center for educated youth, a weekly market costing ₹4 crore, and new stormwater drainage systems in Madurantakam municipality.

In Tinnalur panchayat, a community welfare building will be constructed at a cost of ₹7 million. The Pukkaturai government high school will be upgraded to a higher secondary school, and a mini sports ground will be built in Karunguzhi at a cost of approximately ₹8 million. An additional 25 MVA transformer will be installed at the Madurantakam substation at an estimated cost of ₹3 crore. The Tamil Nadu Urban Housing Development Board will provide new homes for economically weaker and homeless families.

Moreover, bus services in Chengalpattu district will be expanded to facilitate farmers transporting their produce and students commuting to schools and colleges.