Will Authorities Release PAP Water to Vattamalai Dam Amid Drought in Tiruppur?
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Synopsis
As drought grips Tiruppur, farmers plead for water from PAP to save their crops and drinking water supply. Will authorities respond in time to avert a crisis?
Key Takeaways
- Farmers in Tiruppur are facing critical water shortages.
- The Vattamalai Dam supports irrigation for thousands of acres.
- Urgent appeals for water from the PAP are being made.
- Government regulations impact water distribution priorities.
- Timely action is needed to protect crops and livelihoods.
Chennai, July 5 (NationPress) As the drought situation intensifies in parts of Tiruppur district, farmers are appealing to the authorities for the release of water from the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) to the Vattamalai Dam, which is crucial for irrigation and drinking water supply for numerous villages.
Situated in Vellakovil, the Vattamalai Dam provides irrigation for nearly 6,000 acres of farmland across 30 villages.
This year, the dam's storage capacity of 268 million cubic feet (mcft) has been severely impacted due to insufficient rainfall, leaving farmers and villagers in a state of distress.
Krishnamoorthy P.K., a farmer from Veeranampalayam, expressed concerns about the dire situation.
"There is a shortage of water for both drinking and cattle rearing. Our crops are drying up. Meanwhile, the PAP reservoirs are filling due to continuous rains. If excess water is allowed to flow into the sea, it would be a lost opportunity. We urge that some of this water be redirected to the Vattamalai Dam to help us survive," he stated.
V. Sudheer Kumar, a farmer from Kattunaickenpalayam, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that water distribution under the PAP scheme has reached up to the third zone.
"The desilting of the irrigation canals is in progress before water can be released to the fourth zone, which might take another month. During this time, authorities should consider supplying water to Vattamalai Dam. We have already submitted a petition to the district administration," Kumar added.
Medical K. Paramasivam, Chairperson of the PAP Planning Committee, noted that the Parambikulam Dam, a significant reservoir in the PAP system, has not yet achieved its full storage capacity.
"It still needs an additional 3,000 million cubic feet (tmc) of water. Currently, we cannot release water to the Vattamalai Dam," Paramasivam stated.
He mentioned that existing government regulations prioritize the Uppar Dam before any release to Vattamalai.
"If heavy rainfall occurs in the upcoming days and there are delays in releasing water to the fourth zone due to ongoing dredging, then water could first be sent to the Uppar Dam and later to Vattamalai. The final decision will be made after further evaluations and inter-departmental consultations," he explained.
Farmers, however, remain optimistic that prompt action will help prevent further damage to their crops and livelihoods.
Point of View
The situation in Tiruppur highlights the urgent need for water resource management and allocation during extreme weather events. It is crucial for authorities to balance immediate community needs with long-term sustainability strategies. NationPress remains committed to reporting on these vital issues.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water situation in Tiruppur?
Tiruppur is experiencing severe drought, leading to a critical shortage of water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Why do farmers want water from the PAP?
Farmers are appealing for water from the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) to alleviate the water scarcity affecting their crops and livestock.
What is the capacity of the Vattamalai Dam?
The Vattamalai Dam has a storage capacity of 268 million cubic feet (mcft), but it is nearly dry this year due to poor rainfall.
What steps are being taken to address the water crisis?
Farmers have submitted petitions to the district administration, and ongoing efforts include desilting irrigation canals to prepare for water release.
What are the regulations regarding water release?
Government regulations prioritize water release to the Uppar Dam before allowing any flow to the Vattamalai Dam.
