Has the Stalin government sanctioned Rs 10 crore for desilting the Parambikulam–Aliyar project canals?
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Tamil Nadu government has approved a Rs 10 crore fund for urgent desilting works of the Parambikulam–Aliyar Project canals. The initiative, aimed at enhancing irrigation efficiency, will commence soon after the current water release. This timely intervention addresses the pressing needs of farmers and irrigation leaders.
Key Takeaways
The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 10 crore for desilting PAP canals.
154 desilting projects have been approved across three divisions.
The initiative aims to enhance irrigation efficiency for local farmers.
Desilting will begin after the current water release ends.
It is expected to benefit over 133,000 hectares of farmland.
Chennai, Dec 6 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned a special fund of Rs 10 crore for the urgent desilting of the Parambikulam–Aliyar Project (PAP) canals, with work set to commence right after the current water release to the fourth zone concludes.
The directive, issued by Water Resources Department (WRD) Secretary J. Jayakanthan, grants administrative approval for 154 desilting projects spanning three essential divisions under the PAP.
A senior WRD representative noted that the undertaking will encompass clearing out vegetation, removing loose debris, and desilting both major and minor canals.
“Initially, we aimed for 160 projects, but only 154 have been approved. Our goal is to wrap up all desilting initiatives ahead of Pongal, as water needs to be released for irrigation in the first zone during the festive period,” the official stated.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin revealed the allocation on August 11 during his visit to Tiruppur district, responding to appeals from irrigation association leaders and farmers who underscored the pressing need for desilting to enhance water flow and irrigation effectiveness.
The government subsequently set aside Rs 10 crore specifically for the PAP canal initiatives.
According to the official order, 44 projects will be initiated in the Thirumurthy division at an estimated cost of ₹2.88 crore, 27 projects in the Parambikulam division at Rs 2.15 crore, and 83 projects in the Aliyar basin division costing Rs 4.97 crore. The desilting effort is projected to benefit an extensive ayacut of 1,33,976.62 hectares across Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts.
Currently, water is being released from the Thirumurthy Dam for the fifth wetting of the fourth zone.
Initially, water was scheduled to be provided until December 9. However, a recent breach in the main canal near Vavipalayam interrupted the supply.
“To make up for the disruption, we have extended water release for an additional ten days, starting from December 9. Desilting will begin right after this cycle concludes,” the WRD official confirmed.
Welcoming the initiative, P. Velusamy, President of the PAP Vellakoil Branch Canal Water Conservation Movement, stated that desilting should ideally be conducted twice a year.
“Over the past four years, the PAP has not received sufficient funding for regular desilting. This special allocation is a much-needed intervention,” he remarked.
The Parambikulam–Aliyar Project, a critical inter-basin water transfer and irrigation scheme, comprises seven reservoirs, four hydropower stations, six tunnels, one weir, and a contour canal system that channels west-flowing rivers to irrigate extensive rain-shadow regions of western Tamil Nadu.
Point of View
I believe that the government's allocation of funds for the Parambikulam–Aliyar Project reflects a responsive approach to the pressing agricultural challenges faced by farmers in Tamil Nadu. It is imperative to ensure sustainable irrigation practices, which this initiative is poised to enhance significantly.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the budget allocated for the PAP canal desilting?
The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned Rs 10 crore for desilting the Parambikulam–Aliyar Project canals.
When is the desilting work expected to begin?
Desilting work is set to commence immediately after the current water release for the fourth zone concludes.
How many desilting projects have been approved?
A total of 154 desilting projects have received approval under the PAP.
What is the expected benefit of these desilting works?
The desilting program is projected to benefit an area of approximately 1,33,976.62 hectares across Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts.
Why is this initiative important?
This initiative is crucial for improving water flow and irrigation efficiency, especially ahead of the Pongal festival.
