Chennai, March 21 (NationPress) Almost ten years since its inception, the much-delayed Marudaiyaru dam initiative in Kottarai village remains unfinished, raising significant alarm among local residents as the Assembly elections draw near.

The stalling of this project, primarily due to a shortage of funds, is anticipated to take center stage in electoral campaigns as various political factions vie for public support.

Launched in 2016, the dam has already seen two Assembly elections and one Lok Sabha election, yet the advancement has been frustratingly slow.

Originally projected to cost Rs 67.5 crore, the budget has ballooned to Rs 149.4 crore. Encompassing Kottarai and Adhanur villages, the initiative necessitated the acquisition of 815 acres of land. Upon its eventual completion, the dam is expected to hold 212 million cubic feet of water, providing irrigation to approximately 4,194 acres of farmland, greatly enhancing agricultural output in the drought-affected region.

According to officials, nearly 95% of the construction work is done, with only the branch irrigation canal remaining. However, due to financial constraints, the ongoing work has been halted, and the incomplete structure is beginning to display signs of neglect.

Seemai Karuvelam trees have overrun the area, and visible cracks are reportedly appearing on parts of the dam and its shutters, raising serious concerns about its structural safety.

Local inhabitants, especially those who sacrificed their land for the project, are expressing mounting frustration. Many claim that promises made during land acquisition—such as government employment and housing lots—remain unfulfilled. They also highlight that during past elections, candidates from all parties promised rapid completion of the dam, yet little progress has been made.

“Construction began during the AIADMK rule, and as the DMK government approaches the end of its term, the project still lingers unfinished,” stated a resident from Perali.

P. Sivakumar from Perambalur echoed similar feelings, stating that voters feel continuously disappointed. “Every election brings forth promises, but once it's over, our concerns are ignored. We anticipate the same assurances to be recycled this year as well,” he noted.

Officials from the Water Resources Department have confirmed that the project is in line for a new allocation of funds.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar, who is expected to contest from Kunnam, has assured that the government is dedicated to completing the project promptly. As the elections approach, the incomplete dam serves as both a representation of unfulfilled promises and a benchmark for political responsibility in Perambalur.