NABARD sanctions ₹368 crore for new regulator

NABARD has allocated the fund from its Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for construction of a new regulator across the southern and northern arm of the Kollidam. After studying a proposal submitted by the State government, NABARD agreed to release the fund as a soft loan, sources said.

The proposed new regulator will replace the existing 182-year-old brick masonry structure, a portion of which collapsed and washed off on August 22 in the wake of heavy discharge of water into the Kollidam from the regulator at Mukkombu.

The new regulator is proposed to come up at the downstream of the existing regulator and will be constructed with the latest technology including hydraulic operating systems. Out of a total estimate of ₹387.60 crore, NABARD will offer ₹368 crore.

Subsequent to the Government Order sanctioning the work at an estimate of ₹387.06 crore, the Public Works department floated a tender for the project. The last date of submission of tender is over and PWD is in the process of evaluating tender documents submitted by the bidders.

After studying various parameters, including the experience of the bidders, it is expected that the department will select one in February. The project is expected to be completed by March next.

The new regulator, which will come up 75 metre away from the old one, will run a length of 650 metres across the Kollidam and have hydraulic shutters. The project benefits an ayacut of 12.58 acres in the delta districts. It will mainly act as a flood moderator.
Source