2 days ago
Farmers to discuss WRD proposal on utilising surplus water from Bhavanisagar Dam
Farmers from the ayacut areas drawing water from the Bhavanisagar Dam have decided to hold a consultative meeting to discuss the Water Resources Department's (WRD) proposal to utilise surplus water from the dam for eight villages that were relocated during its construction between 1949 and 1955.
Also known as the Lower Bhavani Dam, the structure was built across River Bhavani as the first major irrigation project of independent India. At present, water from the dam is supplied to three ayacut areas: the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) Canal (2.07 lakh acres), the Kalingarayan Canal (15,743 acres), and the Thadapalli–Arakkankottai Channels (24,504 acres).
In 1951, 928 families living in Peerkadavu, Kuyyanur, Kuduvey Pudur, Vadavalli, Karapuram, Pattramangalam, and Basavapuram Pudur—spread across 771 houses located in the water-spread area of the dam—were relocated to new habitations in Sathyamangalam taluk. These habitations continue to face severe shortages of drinking water and irrigation facilities.
In its 71-year history as of August 19, 2025, the dam has reached its maximum reservoir level of 105 ft five times, touched 102 ft on 24 occasions, and crossed 100 ft 32 times. As per flood regulation norms, the permissible storage level varies by month: 100 ft in June–July, 102 ft from August to October, and up to 105 ft during November–December. Whenever these levels are exceeded, surplus water is released into River Bhavani, which later joins the Cauvery at Bhavani. There is a long demand that this surplus water be diverted to meet the needs of the relocated villages.
The Executive Engineer, WRD–Lower Bhavani Basin Division, has now sought the opinion of ayacut associations on implementing a lift irrigation project to draw surplus water from the river, supply it to the eight villages, and irrigate 6,000 acres.
T. Subbu, district secretary of the Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam, told The Hindu that the WRD had formally written to associations, seeking consent for the project on the lines of the Athikadavu–Avinashi scheme. 'In response, associations are expected to submit their views. This matter is of utmost importance as it concerns our irrigation rights,' he said.
While two associations have already submitted their opinions, others will present their views at the consultative meeting to be held in Erode on August 24.
