As part of the preparedness for the northeast monsoon, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department will begin rejuvenation of 10,185 irrigation channels and 809 ponds across Tamil Nadu, starting on Monday (August 17, 2026).

The rejuvenation works will be taken up under the Viksit Bharat – Gramin Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) scheme. According to sources, desilting of water bodies and irrigation channels ahead of the northeast monsoon will help store rainwater to its capacity, raise the groundwater table and improve irrigation facilities for agriculture. Further, it will help flood control during periods of heavy rainfall.

These works are set to commence on Monday (August 17, 2026) in 37 districts, excluding Chennai, at an estimated cost of ₹507.92 crore. Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N. Anand is scheduled to inaugurate the works. The desilting works will be launched by Ministers and MLAs in their respective rural areas in the coming days, sources added.

Published - August 16, 2026 01:09 pm IST