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New Indian Express
29-07-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Bhavani water eludes several ponds under Athikadavu-Avinashi project
TIRUPPUR/ERODE: Even as a few dams have been opened in the state in the last few days following ample rain in their catchment areas several water bodies which are relied upon by farmers are dry. A section of the farmers mull a protest as water has eluded several ponds under the Athikadavu-Avinashi project despite the opening of the Lower Bhavani Dam (Bhavani Sagar Dam) the other day. "Many water bodies in the village panchayats, including Nambiyampalayam, Thekkalur, Karuvalur, Pudupalayam, Uppilipalayam, and Kittampalam, are dry," stated S Thangamuthu, a farmer and coordinator of the Athikadavu-Avinashi Project Agitation Committee, from Thekkalur. "After many decades of struggle, the Athikadavu-Avinashi project came into operation last year. However, in many places, water bodies are still not receiving enough water. In some places, water is not reaching the ponds," he added. "We complained to the officials several times regarding this. But no action has been taken. At present, excess water from the Bhavani Sagar Dam has been released into the river. About 16,700 cusecs of excess water was released on Monday. Even then, there is no water supply to the ponds in our area. We face drought even though the project is operational. We are preparing to mobilise farmers in this regard and launch a series of protests soon." K Balraj, a farmer of Cheyur village, said, "Water bodies in major cities and villages are filled by this scheme. But authorities are not concerned about water bodies in remote villages. Many water bodies in our area are without sufficient water. Authorities are biased in water distribution. This will definitely bring disrepute to the government among farmers and the public." However, a senior official of the Water Resources Department (WRD) for the Athikadavu-Avinashi project (Avinashi Division) told TNIE that these issues will be resolved in a few days.
New Indian Express
08-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
WRD steps in as sewage pollutes 100-acre pond in TN's Cheyur village
TIRUPPUR: A severe case of water pollution has come to light in Cheyur village in Tiruppur. A 100-acre pond here which is relied on for drinking water needs and agriculture has become unusable with the mixing of sewage. The Water Resources Department (WRD) is now planning to send a proposal to prevent the influx of sewage into the pond following a petition filed on behalf of the public to the 'Mudhalvarin Mugavari' department. K Balraj, a farmer of Cheyur village, said, "The pond belonging to the WRD is on the Kunnathur road. It is a major source of water for our village, nearby villages, farmlands, and settlements within a radius of about 5 km. Although the pond benefits from the Athikadavu- Avinashi project, it currently has very low water storage. As there is not inadequate water flow in the Bhavani River, there is no water supply to our pond through the project." "As sewage from local settlements enters the pond the groundwater in our village and nearby villages has been polluted. The water sometimes smells bad. People use borewell water for drinking, agriculture, and livestock. We have sent a petition to the Mudhalvarin Mugavari department, urging the government to take action to prevent sewage from mixing in the pond." K Ramasamy, another farmer from the village, said, "The pond is currently lacking adequate maintenance. A major part of the pond is occupied by Seemai Karuvelam (Prosopis juliflora). The government should take appropriate steps to remove this invasive plant and properly maintain the pond. The boundaries of the pond need to be redefined. Some places on the banks are occupied." K Arul Azhagan, Executive Engineer of WRD, said, "Appropriate measures will be taken to remove Prosopis juliflora from the pond and prevent sewage from mixing with it. A proposal in this regard will be prepared soon and sent to the head of the department."
