P.M.Natarajan, Working Group member, Planning Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu, and a noted geologist, has welcomed the proposed Rs.1,560 crore-project to refurbish old tail-end sluices and construct new ones in the Cauvery delta which would facilitate groundwater recharge and arrest sea water intrusion. The proposal was announced by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in the Assembly on May 7. “It is a good water management approach to improve entire irrigation command including tail end,” he told The Hindu here on Wednesday.

Works to be completed within 27 months: Palani Manickam

The National Highways Department has sanctioned Rs.1,402 crore for laying four-lane on the national highway from Vikkiravandi to Thanjavur, said S. S. Palani Manickam, Union Minister of State for Finance, here on Friday.

Collector visits the completed revetment wall and ramp at Punavasal village

Flood prevention works taken up along the Kollidam river in Thanjavur district by the Public Works Department (PWD) are nearing completion. The works were started in October 2010. Out of the total works taken up at a cost of Rs. 106.22 crore, works to the tune of Rs. 93.34 crore have been finished so far. The rest will be completed before the end of March.

India ranks a dismal 134 among 187 countries in terms of human development index in the UNDP's latest Human Development Report. BEGGING ON A busy street in Mumbai. According to the HDR, ending absolute deprivations could increase higher-order capabilities, expand people's choices and advance human development.