PARLIAMENT

Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe,— To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation,— (1)

(a) Will he inform this House —

(i) whether he is aware that thousands of acres of paddy lands in the areas of Akkaraipattu, Addalaichenai, Oluvil and Palamunai are severely damaged due to the frequent breaches of the main canal, which runs from Dighavapiya to Kaliodai, spans 4 km in length, takes off from the Kaliodai River, and falls under the purview of the Irrigation Department;

(ii) whether the Irrigation Department has prepared an estimate for the reconstruction of the canal concerned;

(iii) if so, of the estimated cost for such reconstruction work; and

(iv) of the date on which the reconstruction work will be commenced?

(b) If not, why?