Cauvery river restoration project under government review

The Tamil Nadu state government is reviewing the Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery project, an initiative designed to rejuvenate the Cauvery river and its tributaries by preventing sewage and pollutants from entering the water system. The project is planned to be implemented in two phases across 12 districts.

Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N Anand informed the Assembly that the National River Conservation Directorate has approved Rs 934 crore for the project, following a 60:40 funding split between the Centre and the State. The central government's contribution is estimated at Rs 560.58 crore, while the state's share is Rs 373.72 crore.

Including Rs 377.98 crore for operation and maintenance over a 15-year period—to be fully funded by the state—the total estimated cost of the project is Rs 1,312.28 crore. The detailed project report (DPR) for the first phase has been completed and submitted to the Environment Department for technical approval, while the DPR for the second phase is currently under preparation.