Planning Commission approves Rs 248 cr flood control scheme in Kerala

NEW DELHI: The Planning Commission today gave investment clearance for a Rs 248.39 crore flood mitigation project in Onattukara region of Kerala.

The project involves construction of 12 water sheds and is scheduled for completion by March, 2013, an official release said.

The project is to be executed as per approved outlays in the State Plan, it said.

The scheme envisages deepening clogged canals, streams and ponds and raising and strengthening their bunds, it said.

Renovation and replacement of pumps and motor sheds has been worked into the scheme for pumping out excess flood water.

The project is expected to benefit an area of over 23,000 hectares, with a population of over 40,000. This would include 5,890 hectares of area under paddy cultivation, it added.