TIRUNELVELI: Another intra-river linking project in the State is expected to take off shortly as the State Government has released Rs 50 crore for the first phase of the project.

The project involves linking the Tamirabarani, Nambiyar and Karumaeniyar rivers in Tirunelveli district to divert floodwater to the rain deficient districts of Radhapuram, Nanguneri and Sattankulam taluks.

Making the announcement here on Friday, District Collector (in charge), G Srinivasan, said a Government Order to this effect was issued in the last week of June.

The State Government has already given administrative sanction for the Rs 369-crore intra-river linking project.

“The project requires 600 hectares of land. The Public Works Department (PWD) needs to take steps to acquire it. The money released by the government will help the PWD do so. Land losers will be suitably compensated,” Srinivasan said.

“Construction can be completed within a year after the land is acquired,” he added. This is the second intra-river linking project that is on the fast track. Chief Minister M Karunanidhi launched the first one last month.

It involved constructing a 255 km canal that would link the Cauvery with various rivers in the southern districts