Will Water Shortages Impact TN's Athikadavu-Avinashi Project?
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Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department has confirmed water shortages affecting the Athikadavu-Avinashi irrigation project, leading to farmer unrest. With promises of prioritizing these areas in the next monsoon, the situation raises questions about effective water management and equitable distribution.
Key Takeaways
- The Athikadavu-Avinashi project aims to rejuvenate 1,045 waterbodies.
- Water shortages have raised significant concerns among local farmers.
- The Tamil Nadu government is committed to addressing these issues.
- Technical challenges have hindered water distribution.
- Future plans include prioritizing affected areas in the next monsoon.
Chennai, Dec 28 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) has recognized that numerous waterbodies associated with the Athikadavu-Avinashi irrigation project did not receive sufficient water this year. The department has committed to prioritizing these areas during the upcoming monsoon season.
This flagship initiative, which commenced on August 17, 2024, is designed to redirect excess water from the Bhavani River to revive 1,045 waterbodies in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Erode districts. This year, the project allocated 1.5 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water for distribution. However, farmers in various regions have voiced concerns regarding inadequate water supply.
Many tanks and ponds reportedly received only partial inflow, significantly impacting agricultural activities despite the project being in operation for over a year. S. Appusamy, president of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association in Pongupalayam Union, noted that numerous waterbodies in the northern sections of Tiruppur district received less than 10% of their capacity. He stated, “Even after the implementation of the Athikadavu-Avinashi project, many villages continue to experience drought-like conditions. Similar issues are also present in parts of Coimbatore and Erode districts. A permanent and fair solution is needed.”
In response to these concerns, a senior WRD official clarified that the project relies on surplus water from the Bhavani River.
“This year, the southwest monsoon started earlier, leading to the early extraction of available surplus water for the connected waterbodies. Nearly 95% of the tanks under the project received water,” the official stated.
However, he acknowledged that around 5% of the waterbodies did not receive full supply due to technical issues like damaged pipelines, blockages, and faulty Outlet Management Systems (OMS). “These complications have hindered flow in certain areas, and we have plans for corrective measures,” the official added.
He further explained that no additional water releases are possible for the current year as the allocated amount has already been utilized. “We are optimistic that there will be ample surplus water available next year, as the Bhavani River has experienced substantial inflows for the past three years. Areas that received inadequate supply this time will be prioritized,” the official stated.
Farmers are urging the government to ensure timely maintenance and fair distribution so that the project’s benefits reach all intended regions.
Point of View
The ongoing water shortages in Tamil Nadu's Athikadavu-Avinashi project pose significant challenges for local farmers and agricultural sustainability. While the government acknowledges these issues and promises solutions, the situation calls for a comprehensive strategy to ensure equitable water distribution and long-term resilience in the face of climate variability.
NationPress
03/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Athikadavu-Avinashi project?
The Athikadavu-Avinashi project is an irrigation initiative in Tamil Nadu aimed at diverting surplus water from the Bhavani River to rejuvenate numerous waterbodies across Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Erode districts.
Why are farmers concerned about water supply?
Farmers are worried because many waterbodies have not received enough water, severely impacting agricultural activities despite the project being operational for over a year.
What measures is the Tamil Nadu government taking?
The government has promised to prioritize areas that received inadequate water supply during the next monsoon season and is planning corrective measures for technical issues affecting water flow.
How does the project affect local agriculture?
The project is intended to support local agriculture by ensuring a steady water supply; however, current shortages are leading to concerns about crop viability and farmer livelihoods.
Is there a solution in sight for the water issues?
The WRD is optimistic about future water availability, citing good inflows in the Bhavani River over the past few years, and plans to address current supply issues.
