Farmers in Tiruppur Demand Action Against Water Distribution Irregularities
Tail-end farmers urge Tiruppur administration to rectify “irregularities” in water distribution through PAP main canal

Image: The Hindu
Farmers from the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) Vellakovil Branch Canal in Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu, have urged local authorities to address irregularities in water distribution. They claim that nearly 50% of their rightful water share is diverted, affecting their livelihoods and agricultural practices.
- 01The Water Conservation Association has reported a six-month delay in addressing water distribution issues in the PAP.
- 02Farmers claim that unauthorized distribution and theft have led to significant water loss, particularly affecting tail-end regions.
- 03The association's president, P. Velusamy, criticized the lack of transparency in the Water Resource Department's administration.
- 04The non-formation of the Apex Committee under the Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Management of Irrigation Systems Act, 2001, highlights administrative failures.
- 05Farmers are struggling for basic needs, including drinking water and livestock maintenance, due to inadequate water supply.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Farmers from the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) Vellakovil Branch Canal in Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu, have formally requested the local administration to rectify irregularities in water distribution. The Water Conservation Association, led by president P. Velusamy, has expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in the Water Resource Department's (WRD) management of the PAP, alleging that it prioritizes vested interests over equitable distribution. The association highlighted a six-month delay in addressing these issues, despite presenting data indicating significant irregularities. Velusamy noted that over 2.5 TMC of water is drawn from the Thirumoorthy Dam each wetting cycle, yet nearly 50% of the rightful share fails to reach the tail-end region, which comprises only one-eighth of the command area. Unauthorized distribution and theft are cited as primary reasons for this loss. Additionally, Velusamy refuted claims that cultivation in Kangayam and Vellakovil is lower, stating that farmers are struggling to secure adequate water for drinking, livestock, and crops. The failure to form the Apex Committee as mandated by the Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Management of Irrigation Systems Act, 2001, further underscores the administrative shortcomings of the WRD.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The water distribution issues directly affect farmers' livelihoods, impacting their ability to cultivate crops and maintain livestock.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What should be prioritized to improve water distribution for farmers?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



