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Tamil Nadu PAP Farmers Flag Water Shortage in Tail-End Canal Areas

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Farmers in Tiruppur's PAP tail-end areas allege inadequate irrigation supply and water diversion as officials inspect the Vellakovil branch canal.

By News National Editorial Team

Farmers in the tail-end areas of Tamil Nadu’s Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) system have raised concerns over inadequate irrigation water supply, alleging that water released from Thirumoorthy Dam is not reaching their areas in sufficient quantities.

The issue emerged after water was released on Thursday, November 5, for the second zone of the PAP irrigation system. Farmers said that even after approximately 70 hours, the supply reaching the Vellakovil branch canal and other tail-end areas remained insufficient.

According to The New Indian Express, farmers had expected water to reach the tail-end areas much earlier. They alleged that unauthorised use of water, including illegal pipelines and other forms of water diversion, could be contributing to the shortage.

S. Vijayasekaran, treasurer of the PAP Welfare Association, said the water had previously reached tail-end locations within about 24 hours. He said the delay and low supply had caused concern among farmers who depend on the system for irrigation.

P. Velusamy, president of the PAP Vellakovil Branch Canal Water Conservation Movement, also questioned the difference between the expected allocation and the reported inflow. He said farmers had been assured of 141 cusecs for the second-zone release, but the reported inflow at the time was 122 cusecs.

Farmers also raised concerns about unauthorised pipeline crossings, underground pipelines and borewells near canals and open wells. They called for stronger monitoring and action against anyone found diverting irrigation water unlawfully.

Following the complaints, Water Resources Department officials inspected the zero point of the Vellakovil branch canal at Illiyampudur. Farmers from tail-end areas also reached the location and questioned officials about the supply.

A. Felix Raja, Revenue Divisional Officer of Dharapuram and chairman of the PAP Joint Monitoring Committee for the Dharapuram division, said water had reached the tail-end areas, but acknowledged that farmers had complained about insufficient levels.

He said the Water Resources Department was taking steps and that the joint monitoring committee was carrying out surveillance to prevent water theft in line with the district collector's instructions.

The dispute highlights the importance of transparent water distribution and effective monitoring in irrigation networks. Farmers at the tail end of canal systems can be particularly vulnerable when supply is delayed or diverted upstream.

The immediate concern is whether the authorities can ensure the promised supply reaches the affected agricultural areas and address the complaints through inspection and enforcement.

Sources

- The New Indian Express, 8 November 2026: PAP farmers allege insufficient water and water theft

image: national haraled

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