Farmers dependent on the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district are facing acute irrigation shortages, with agricultural communities in tail-end regions alleging large-scale illegal diversion of water through unauthorised pipelines, canal connections, and borewells. The crisis has prompted demands for immediate government intervention and intensified enforcement along the project's extensive canal network.

What Went Wrong With Water Distribution

The situation deteriorated following the release of water from Thirumoorthy Dam on Thursday for the project's second irrigation zone. Although the water was expected to flow through the distribution network without significant delay, it took nearly 70 hours to reach tail-end areas — a stark contrast to the earlier norm of approximately 24 hours. Even upon arrival, the supply was described as inadequate by affected farmers.

Agricultural representatives noted that the prolonged transit time has raised strong suspicions of illegal tapping at multiple points along the Vellakovil branch canal. Specifically, farmers allege that underground pipelines, unauthorised canal crossings, and borewells drilled near the main and branch canals are siphoning off water before it reaches its intended beneficiaries.

The Shortfall in Promised Supply

Farmers' organisations stated that authorities had committed to supplying 141 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water to the Vellakovil branch canal during the second-zone irrigation schedule — an increase from the earlier allocation of 131 cusecs. However, the actual inflow recorded on Saturday stood at only 122 cusecs, considerably below both the revised and original promised quantities.

Farmers demanded a full explanation for the shortfall and called for immediate steps to restore uninterrupted irrigation supplies. They also accused the joint monitoring committee of failing to take effective action against illegal extractions, despite repeated complaints.

Official Response and Inspection

Following the escalating complaints, Water Resources Department officials conducted an inspection at the starting point of the Vellakovil branch canal at Illiyampudur on Saturday to assess water flow and identify possible irregularities. Farmers from affected areas gathered at the site and directly questioned officials over the inadequate supply.

The situation also triggered discussions involving revenue authorities, Water Resources Department personnel, and Kangeyam police. Officials acknowledged the complaints, stating that corrective measures were under way and that the joint monitoring committee had intensified surveillance under the district administration's directions to prevent water theft.

Farmers Demand Continuous Enforcement

Farmers, however, insisted that one-off inspections are insufficient. They maintained that effective enforcement and continuous monitoring are essential to ensure that allocated irrigation water reaches tail-end agricultural lands. This comes amid broader concerns about the monitoring of PAP's extensive canal network, with farmers arguing that lapses in oversight have allowed illegal extraction to become entrenched.

Notably, the PAP serves a large agricultural belt across multiple districts in Tamil Nadu, making equitable distribution a perennial governance challenge. The current crisis adds to pressure on water management authorities to overhaul surveillance mechanisms before the season's remaining irrigation cycles begin.