
Stalin wants to develop ‘Chola Gangam' dug by Rajendra Chola I at ₹20 crore
Chola Gangam also known as 'Ponneri', was dug by king Rajendra Chola I to celebrate his northern campaign, according to Tiruvalangadu Copper Plates. As per the announcement made by the Chief Minister, the banks of the tank spread over 700 acres would be strengthened, an official release said.
Renovation of channels around the tank and other maintenance works would be undertaken. These works would help in the irrigation in the area and would thereby benefit farmers in 1,374 acres. The development activities to be undertaken by the Tourism Department would include establishing an information centre, park, perimeter walls, surveillance cameras, electricity and other amenities.
The Tamil Nadu government has been celebrating the birth anniversary of the legendary Tamil king Rajendra Chola I on Aadi Thiruvathirai since 2021, it said. It has already in the process of establishing a museum spread over 10 acres at a cost of ₹22.10 crore. Preliminary works for establishing the museum is already on, the release said.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
UP to showcase cultural heritage at Japan Tourism Expo
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh will showcase its rich cultural, spiritual and natural heritage at the Japan Tourism Expo 2025 scheduled from Sep 25 to 28, an official spokesperson said on Wednesday. The UP tourism department will participate with a powerful and strategic presence, highlighting the state's heritage to a global audience, particularly visitors and investors from Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. Officials said a themed pavilion spanning 54sqm will be set up at the venue. It will use advanced technology like digital LED screens, auto-navigation displays and AR-based selfie panels to offer an immersive experience. Visitors will also get a glimpse of the state's handicrafts, culture, music and festivals, enriching their overall experience. "Information about UP's top tourist destinations will be shared with Japanese visitors. To facilitate this, special booklets will be printed in both English and Japanese. Visitors will also be able to access details and make bookings through the UP-Tourism Department's mobile app," said the official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo A major focus will be on the Buddhist Circuit (Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Kaushambi, Sankisa and Kapilvastu), which is expected to attract Japanese Buddhist tourists. Additionally, Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, and rural tourism will be promoted to match the health and spiritual interests of Japanese travellers, the official added. Parallelly, the third edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS-2025) will also reflect the state's vibrant heritage. A 465sqm pavilion at India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida will host live demonstrations of traditional folk art, classical dances and showcases of the famed Buddhist circuit — all curated to draw attention from global visitors.


The Hindu
6 hours ago
- The Hindu
TNGCPL terminates contract awarded to BGR for North Chennai Super Critical Thermal Power Project, Stage III
Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Ltd (TNGCPL) has terminated contract awarded to BGR Energy Systems Ltd. for the establishment of 1 x 800 mW North Chennai Super Critical Thermal Power Project, Stage III – Balance of Plant (BOP) package along with allied civil works engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract worth ₹2,600.02 crore, citing the non-fulfillment of key project obligations among others. In a stock exchange filing, BGR said it received the termination letter from TNGCPL on July 18. TNGCPL cited various reasons for termination of contract, including the contractor being unable to fulfil key project obligations, critical systems remaining incomplete, and the contractual requirements for insurance renewals and guarantee extensions were not met, according to BGR. The company said it is awaiting a positive outcome from the Arbitration application pending before the Madras High Court in this matter and said there is no major impact on its financials and operations. North Chennai Super Critical Thermal Power Project Stage-III (1x800 mW) is situated in Tiruvallur district. The Super Critical 800 mW project cost, including Interest During Construction (IDC), is ₹10,158 crore, according to the State Energy Department policy note for 2025-2026. The Project was commissioned and inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in March 2024. The unit was synchronised using coal firing on 17.03.2024, and achieved full load by 27.06.2024. Further, a trial run was started on 20.03.2025 and is continuously operating. It has also reached its maximum capacity of 675 mW during the trial run on 28.03.2025. All steps are being taken to achieve the date of commercial operation as soon as possible, the policy note said. Once the plant reaches its installed capacity of 800 mW and operates continuously for 72 hours, it will be considered a power plant. It is designed to operate with 50% Imported and 50% Domestic Coal. Earlier, TNPGCL had terminated the EPC contract awarded to BGR for the 660-MW Ennore Thermal Power Station (ETPS) expansion project, due to slow progress and poor performance.


The Hindu
7 hours ago
- The Hindu
DD Free Dish expands reach with greater representation of languages from southern States
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) said the government had taken various proactive measures to increase the representation of languages from southern States on DD Free Dish. In a written response to a query in Lok Sabha, the Minister said DD Free Dish had experienced consistent growth in its reach over the past few years. As per industry estimates, it reached 49 million households nationwide as of 2024. The figure was 33 million in 2018. 'The Government has taken various proactive measures to increase the representation of South Indian language channels on DD Free Dish, including: for better regional representation, slots had been reserved for South Indian language channels in the e-auctions of DD Free Dish platform (done in 2025),' said the reply. The eligibility norms have been simplified to ensure greater participation from private broadcasters in the southern region. 'Furthermore, dedicated slots were offered for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam channels in recent e-auctions. Three additional South Indian language private channels viz. TV9 Telugu, Aastha Kannada & Aastha Telugu, have been onboarded on DD Free Dish since April 1, 2025,' it said. Doordarshan's own regional channels, such as DD Tamil, DD Saptagiri, DD Chandana, DD Yadagiri, and DD Malayalam have also been onboarded. 'The channels are being technologically upgraded and better promoted to enhance their visibility. Apart from this, there are 27 educational channels on DD Free Dish, which are relaying programs in various South Indian languages,' said the reply. Responding to another question, the Minister said the government had undertaken measures for the modernisation and expansion of Akashvani and Doordarshan Kendras (DDK) across all the States. 'The Kendras are being upgraded under the Central Sector Scheme -- Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND). This includes major upgrades throughout the country, including Bihar, to strengthen public broadcasting. The scheme has been approved with a total outlay of Rs. 2,539.61 crore for the period 2021-26,' it said. The government has also sanctioned various projects for the modernisation of broadcasting infrastructure in Bihar. 'It includes ₹64.56 crore for modernisation of Akashvani Kendras and Rs.4.31 crore for modernisation of Doordarshan Kendras,' said the reply.