Synopsis
On April 12, the Tamil Nadu Revenue Department announced the inclusion of farmer representatives in the Joint Monitoring Committees to address water theft in the Parambikulam Aliyar Project. This move aims to improve water distribution and enhance monitoring efforts.Key Takeaways
- Farmer representatives now part of monitoring committees.
- Joint Monitoring Committees aim to reduce water theft.
- Local farmers possess valuable knowledge of irrigation routes.
- Effective monitoring is crucial during agricultural seasons.
- Inclusion of WUA leaders strengthens grassroots management.
Chennai, April 12 (NationPress) In a pivotal initiative to combat water theft in the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP), the Tamil Nadu Revenue Department has incorporated farmer representatives into the Joint Monitoring Committees (JMCs).
This long-awaited request from local farmers aims to bolster surveillance and guarantee fair water distribution under the program.
An official communication from the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) of Dharapuram indicated, "Following directives from the District Collector, leaders of Water Users Associations (WUAs) have been added to the JMC, alongside appointed government officials."
The JMCs, initially established to prevent the illegal extraction of water from both the main and branch canals of the PAP, are presided over by RDOs and include officials from the Revenue Department, Water Resources Department (WRD), Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB), and the Police.
In Tiruppur district, these committees function under the authority of the Udumalaipet, Dharapuram, and Tiruppur RDOs.
Despite the establishment of these committees, various farmer groups have voiced their disappointment, claiming that the JMCs have not effectively addressed water theft.
They have continually pressed the Tiruppur Collector to incorporate WUA leaders in the monitoring efforts, asserting that farmers possess better knowledge of the irrigation routes and can quickly spot instances of unlawful diversion. To date, WUA presidents have been included in four of the nine distribution committees associated with the PAP.
Farmer leaders are now advocating for their inclusion in the remaining five as well. They emphasized that permitting WUA representatives to oversee all canals—beyond their specific distribution limits—would significantly improve the effectiveness of anti-theft strategies.
"There are nine distribution committees and 134 Water Users Associations operating under the PAP. The addition of our representatives in the JMC is an encouraging advance, as we are aware of locations where water theft commonly occurs," stated a representative from the Coconut Farmers' Association.
The engagement of WUA leaders in the JMC is anticipated to enhance grassroots involvement in the stewardship of irrigation resources and reduce unauthorized water usage, particularly during crucial agricultural phases.
