The decision to implement the Rs 1,560 crore project, aimed at benefiting around 4.50 lakh acres of land in three districts of the state, was taken following experts' observation that climate change could adversely impact the Delta region, where bulk of the state's agricultural activity is confined.
The project is proposed to be implemented in five years.
Making a statement in the Assembly, Jayalalithaa said it was imperative for storage of flood water in the Delta region besides preventing sea-water incursion, which she said could render large tracts of cultivable land useless.
The project involves strengthening and re-constructing of infrastructure related to flood-water utilisation which would help recharge groundwater, she said.
Of the total estimate, ADB would provide a loan of Rs 1092 crore and the state government will share the rest of the amount, she said.
The move will benefit around 4.50 lakh acres of irrigation land in the districts of Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Tanjavur, she said.