Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam, on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the construction of a floodwater retaining wall along the right side of the Thenpennai River from Kumarappan Nagar to the Collectorate complex in Cuddalore.

The retaining wall project would be taken up by the Water Resources Department with financial assistance of ₹14.50 crore from the District Mineral Fund.

Mr. Panneerselvam said the retaining wall would protect people living in low-lying areas of Manjakuppam, Om Sakthi Nagar, Poonthendral Nagar, Gunduuppalavadi, Ucchimedu and Nanamedu, which are prone to flooding.