Tamilnadu PWD Past & Present

241 Pages·2011·4.06 MB·English

PREFACE
 We are so privileged to publish this valuable book titled
“Tamilnadu PWD – Past & Present” authored by
Er.K.Ramalingam, Former CE, TNPWD, Former President,
Association of Engineers, TNPWD and presently the State
President, Tamilnadu PWD Senior Engineers Associaiton
as a Platinum Jubilee Publication of AOE, TNPWD.
We are really fortunate to have I written by a Senior
Stalwart of PWD and our Association.
 Infact it is a continuation of Er.C.S.Kuppuraj‘s book 150 years History of PWD,
mainly supplementing and complementing the activities of TNPWD in the last 150
years – both before independence and also in the post independent period. It
gives not only a detailed account of works implemented but also the engineers
responsible for the execution.
 The data furnished relating to floodworks are very extensive and unique one
carefully compiled in this treatise. The list of CEs of PWD from its inception
1857 to 2011 is included as a special addition, a reference for the present as well
as for the future.
 We are thankful to Er.K.Ramalingam, who took lot of pains including proof
correction at this age of 85 years. Er. N.Kailasapathy & Staff Er. AVA for their
assistance.
 We convey our sincere thanks to Er. A.Mohanakrishnan, Former CE (I), PWD,
Former Chairman CTC & Present Advisor - Water Resources (TN) for his valuable
suggestions and correction of certain data and Thiru. S. Audiseshiah, IAS (Retd)
Former Principal Secretary to Govt., PWD for their forewords adorning this book.
 We are grateful to Er. D.Arumugam, President & Er.P.Krishnamoorthy, General
Secretary - Association of Engineers for their support and assistance.
 Our thanks are also to Thiru. M.Nasar Ahmed (M.S.Xerox) and VPS Printers
for preparing the DTP works amd printing.
 We hope that this valuable treasure will be useful as a reference guide for the PWD
Engineers and their well-wishers for many decades.
Er. A.Veerappan
Chairman, Organishing Committee
AOE, TNPWD A Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
FOREWORD
 It is my pleasure and privilege to write the Foreword to
the book authored by Er. K. Ramalingam, my esteemed
colleague in the Public Works Department. This is on the
request of Er. A. Veerappan, State Secretary of the
Tamil Nadu PWD Senior Engineers Association and
Chairman, Organising Committee for the Celebration of
the Platinum Jubilee of the Association of Engineers,
Tamil Nadu Public Works Department.
Er.A.Mohanakrishnan
 Er. K. Ramalingam is a very simple, honest, frank gentleman, soft and pleasing in
his speech and manners. Always action-oriented, given a work to do, he will plunge
into, with only the objective and target in mind. He has been very hard working
and was sought after whenever difficult complicated jobs are to be executed in the
department.
 Unlike me, he was versatile and has handled many intricate jobs in record time to
the satisfaction of his senior officers. His execution of the Manniar Silt Ejector in the
Cauvery Delta in 1974 with very little of technical help available to him, except for
his visit to see similar Ejectors in the North Indian Irrigation Systems, has been a
talk among us, his colleagues for long, and I am happy to record that Manniar Silt
Ejector is still functioning satisfacatorily.
 I still remember how I admired his audacity as Executive Engineer to jump in, to
take the wheel of the jeep when we were both taking the then Chief Engineer, of
those days, in that jeep with no other vehicle for rescue, to drive a number of
kilometres in the sandy tract leading to Dhanushkodi after the well known 1964
December devastating cyclone causing a six - metre wave sweeping clean across
the tract into the sea leaving none alive, except a lonely dog which escaped. It is
something of a phenomenon we now call "tsunami". We were taking the Chief
Engineer to show the floating buoys we had erected for wind and tide observations
while engaged in the detailed investigations for the alignment of the Sethu
Samudram Canal which was dredged half way through and is halted at present.
 Er. K. Ramalingam, if I remember correct, did a lot of work for the Cooum
Improvements and also largely improved the North Buckingham Canal
widening and deepening, for resumption of navigation. He served on deputation for
a period in the Neyveli Lignite Corporation in the formation period. He was the
first Superintending Engineer posted on deputation to the Fishing and Marine
Engineering Corporation and did a lot of initial investigation works to establish
minor ports along the South Indian coast both east and west like Thondi, Muttom,
Colachel etc.
 His services were lent to the Space Department when the Centre at Sriharikota
was being developed. He made a mark in planning and organizing civil works in the
initial stages for the functioning of the Centre meant for sending out PSLVs
successfully since 1980, carrying satellites of various types, Indian and foreign, of
varying pay loads.
 As Managing Director of the TN Tube Well Corporation which he organized,
with regional units at Chennai, Villupuram and Trichy, to tap the ground water in
the eastern plains of Tamil Nadu, he maintained close coordination with the
investigations being done by the Ground Water Department, PWD. When he found
too much of interference from the administrators, he preferred to leave and get
back to PWD.
 As one who closely followed me in the listing of PWD Engineers, he got promoted as
Chief Engineer, PWD, in charge of Minor Irrigation in 1984. During his period
he concentrated on the minor irrigation tanks all over in Tamil Nadu and their
modernization through external funding from the European Economic Community.
Several Ex-Zamin tanks were also improved and brought under the Public Works
Department where the ayacut served exceeded 40 hectares and the local
Panchayat Unions where the ayacut served is less than 40 hectares, for
maintenance.
 Coming to the Publication a draft copy of which was handed over to me, which I
have read completely, the author by himself has clarified it as a SOURCE BOOK
AND NOT A HISTORY in his "Introduction" chapter which I may extract below:-
"Therefore the present account is not a history and not even an exhaustive
account. But it is a source book. The events are arranged under some
convenient heads for quick reference. Every effort has been made to trace
the eventsfrom the administration and technical reports of the State
Government and some institutions like the Association of Engineers,
Budget speeches and Policy notes of the PWD".
 Er. K. Ramalingam rightly points out how we in the department are poor in
recording events and maintaining histories of at least major technical
achievements. He has taken enormous pains to collect information from different
sources and perhaps from his own jottings he might have maintained.
 Listing of "Former Chief Engineers" in chapter 31 from the first Chief Engineer of
the department, the most renowned irrigation engineer Col. Sir Arthur Cotton KC
IRE, appointed in 1857 when the department was created, right upto the latest
appointment on 08.08.2011 is commendable. The advisability of rearranging
according to the subjects they held charge like irrigation, buildings, investigation,
IHH, IMTI, PF, DRCS and so on irrespective of the repetition of the names under
different heads, may be considered while editing.
 I should congratulate the Association of Engineers, Tamil Nadu PWD, who
have planned the publication of this book to be released in their Platinum Jubilee
Valedictory Function. This Association under the guidance of my elderly colleague
Er. C.S. Kuppuraj got a fillip during ESCO 70 which he organized, .has been
making a steady progress since then, under able successors, to reach this Platinum
Jubilee year and present an image of trust, and respect as an organization serving
the Engineers of the department, not only in representing and obtaining the
reasonable emoluments for their services in the department, but also in improving
their technical caliber through releases of technical hand books and publication of
this nature.
 I am sure this Publication will serve the present and future generation of engineers
in the Public Works Department as a ‗SOURCE BOOK‘ to whenever they come
across situations, left to handle similar works by themselves, to learn and seek
guidance from the contribution made by several engineers of the past in the
department.

07-09-2011 A.Mohanakrishnan
Advisor to Government,
(Water Resources)
S.AUDISESHIAH, I.A.S. (Retd.)
Former Principal Secretary to Government, PWD
52, Cauvery street,
Kalakshetra Colony,
Besant Nagar,
Chennai – 600 090.
FOREWORD
 I deem it my honour and privilege to be invited to write
the ‗foreword‘ for this compendium titled ―Tamil Nadu
Public Works Department—Past and Present‖ authored
by Er.K.Ramalingam, retired Chief Engineer, Public Works Department and former
President/AOE, TNPWD and also sitting President, Senior Engineers Association,
TNPWD. I thank Er. A.Veerappan, State Secretary & Chairman, Organising
Committee and the office bearers of Senior Engineers Association, TNPWD for giving
me this opportunity.
 Er. K. Ramalingam has created an impressive compendium of facts and figures
carefully researching through 150 glorious years of Public Works Department. The
content, in the given framework, covering a long history of the Organization cannot
be expected to be more comprehensive. The author has tried to ensure that there
are no gaps in information at any point in time regarding the outstanding
performance of the Department. It is then for the individual reader to seek further
details specific to the given subject depending upon his/her interest. I sincerely feel
that every reader of this publication is obliged to compliment Er. K. Ramalingam for
his sincere effort.
 An interesting fact reiterated in this compilation is that the Irrigation System in Tamil
Nadu which we are proud of has its origin in the vision and creations of our ancient
dynasties of Chera, Chola, Pandian and Pallava. The author conveys the fact that our
ancient rulers were not only proud of their creations but also were optimistic that the
bountiful water sources created in the form of canals, tanks, anaicuts etc will remain
perennial. However it is a pity that the optimism of our ancient rulers is not fully
realised, in the sense that over exploitation of resource, regional greed of denying
equitable distribution of water flows across the regions and non-compliance of the
well-thought-out past water-sharing agreements has become the rule of the day.
 The author has given due recognition to the British rulers as well by highlighting
some of the outstanding irrigation projects such as Mullai Periyar, Mettur Dam and
several anaicuts across rivers, initiating significant improvements to the then existing
infrastructure, both before and after establishing a full-fledged Department of Public
Works in 1858. Some of the great contributors during British rule like Captain Arther
Cotton, Col. Ellis, Er.Pennycuik and others are recalled as being synonymous with
monumental irrigation projects created in Southern India.
 The author also covers a plethora of irrigation works like Lower Bhavani, Noyyal,
Kodumudiyar, Marudanadhi, Palar Porandalar, Uppar, Vaigai, the marvellous
Parambikulam Aliyar Project and many others created after Independence. The basic
details provided in respect to each project i.e. time of execution, project cost, ayacut
area etc will be of immense value for reference and further study.
 I compliment the author for adequately elaborating under chapters 16 & 17 the tank
modernization schemes undertaken since early 18th century. His summery
presentation of Irrigation Growth in the State before and after Independence in the
following Chapter is impressive too. One can visualise from the presentation that the
network of nearly 30,000 irrigation tanks (PWD & Panchayat) across the State, a
unique feature forming part of minor irrigation system is the main stay of farming
community, particularly in dry regions. Considering the fact that about 33% of
irrigated land is supported by tanks, the author has justified in conveying the
importance of this segment of irrigation. Modernization schemes like WRCP,
IAMWARM and NABARD supported minor irrigation works have aimed at increasing
farm productivity thereby assuring sustainable optimum income to the farmers. This
is believed to be achievable through rehabilitation and modernization of water
sources with particular reference to tanks and canals, up-gradation of water studies
and training institutes, effective participation of water user associations etc. The
author has vividly brought out the positive outcome of these schemes and while
doing so has conveyed, as I understand that water use efficiency in combination with
farmers‘ participation is the key to achieve the objectives of modernization schemes.
 While indicating further modernization schemes in the pipeline, the author has
specifically mentioned the Cauvery Modernization Scheme, since submitted by the
Task Force constituted under the Chairmanship of Er.A. Mohanakrishnan. I had the
opportunity of examining this report during my tenure as Principal Secretary to
Government in the Public Works Department. I can confidentally say that this is one
of the most meticulously prepared reports and am hopeful that we can soon see the
execution of this project.
 Yet another highlight in the compilation is the subject relating to Inter-State Water
Disputes. Although the content is not very elaborate, it gives a gist of developments
over a period of time in chronological order. This will enable the reader to appreciate
the amount of effort, time and money consumed despite which just settlements are
still eluding. There is therefore the need for a strong time specific dispute settlement
mechanism including a firm legal frame failing which the food security will become a
serious casualty.
 Some of the other notable subjects specifically covered in the compilation are, Tank
Improvement Works, IAMWARM Works, Water Users Associations, Training and
Water Institutes, Ground Water and Hydrological Studies, Interlinking of Intra-State
rivers and Public Buildings of monumental value. This information, in my view, will
immensely benefit the departmental Engineers to take existing schemes forward with
imagination, dynamism and dedication for the larger benefit of society.
 The author has been meticulous not to miss the administrative systems that were in
place at different periods in time, since the full-fledged Public Works Department was
created in 1858.
 In all, the author has done an appreciable job in bringing out the subject wise
significant developments spanning a period of 150 years of Public Works
Department. The objective of this exercise in my understanding can be twofold:
firstly to provide a handy guide to all the Engineers, particularly beginners in the
Department with readily available information and secondly to motivate the
incumbents to dedicate themselves in their duties for the larger good of society.
More importantly, I should say that a mere reading of this useful compilation inspires
everyone to contribute by way of ‗writing‘ and ‗publishing‘ books / papers on every
subject under the scope of the Organization. I will be extremely happy if the
Engineers serving and retired can make an attempt to elaborate each of the subjects
in this compilation, particularly those relating to Inter-State Water Disputes, Ground
Water and Hydrological Studies, Interlinking of Intra-State Rivers, Expansion of
Minor Irrigation Sources etc and intensively deliberate over them. Such initiatives
will go a long way for the policy makers to do their bit for further improvements to
the irrigation infrastructure and systems thereby impacting sustainable food
production enhancement.
 Last but not least is my earnest desire to compliment the retired Senior Engineers
who I consider as legends and who continue to make significant contributions for the
good of the Organization and Society. I do not venture to name these outstanding
personalities for the fear of missing some. It is gratifying to note that some of the
serving engineers, particularly beginners show promise in terms of adding further
glory to the Organization.
 I conclude by extending my best wishes to one and all on the occasion of ―Platinum
Jubilee‖ of the Association of Engineers, Tamil Nadu Public Works Department.
21-09-2011 S. AUDISESHIAH
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter No. Brief Description Page No.
1. Introduction 1
2. Legacy from the past 3
3. British Period 9
4. Evolution of PWD Structure 13
5. Notable Projects in Andhra Pradesh 23
6. Projects in Malabar of Kerala State 25
7. Cauvery – Mettur Project and 27
Mettur High-Level Canal
8. Grand – Anicut Canal 33
9. Flood and Flood works 35
10. Buckingham Canal 41
11. I.H.H. Poondi 46
12. Coovum Improvement Works 48
13. Mullaiperiyar and Periyar – Vaigai works 51
14. Interstate Water Disputes 54
15. Projects after independence 59
16. Tank Improvement works 105
17. WRCP and IAMWARM works 110
18. Irrigation growth in the state 135
Chapter No. Brief Description Page No.
19. Training Institute 150
20. Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes 152
21. DCR Schemes 153
22. Sand Quarries in the State 155
23. Kudimaramath Works 156
24. Chennai City Water Supply Schemes 159
25. Marine works and Sethusamudram Project 165
26. River Pumping schems and Tube-well Corporation 168
27. Groundwater and Hydrological studies 172
28. Interlinking of Rivers 183
29. Anti-sea Erosion works and Royapuram Beach 186
30. Building works 190
31. Former Chief Engineers 214
32. Bibliography 229