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**Summary:**

The Water Resources Department (WRD) has submitted a proposal to the State government for approval to rehabilitate the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) Canal System. The proposal is based on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by SECON Private Limited at a cost of ₹ 7.08 crore. The DPR involved drone surveys to assess the canal system. The project aims to restore the aging canal system to its original standards, reduce water loss, and improve efficiency using RCC, precast concrete, and RR masonry. Farmers, especially those at the tail-end of the main canal, have been advocating for micro-irrigation to ensure equitable water distribution. Once approved by the State government, the proposal will be sent to the Central Water Commission for funding consideration.

**News Article:**

**The Hindu**

**Water Resources Department Submits Key PAP Canal Rehabilitation Proposal to State Government**

**COIMBATORE, October 3, 2025, 7:21 PM IST** – The long-awaited proposal for the rehabilitation of the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) Canal System has been officially forwarded by the Water Resources Department (WRD) to the State government for approval. The move signals a significant step towards addressing water distribution challenges faced by farmers reliant on the aging irrigation network.

The proposal is underpinned by a Detailed Project Report (DPR) meticulously prepared by Bengaluru-based SECON Private Limited at a cost of ₹ 7.08 crore. The government commissioned the DPR on July 14, 2022, and the consultancy firm initiated its work in early 2023, utilizing drone technology to accurately measure the length of the main and branch canals.

“The detailed project report (DPR) has now been submitted, with finer details on the project that will be disclosed after the government approves the project,” sources said.

For nearly five decades, the PAP canal system, encompassing the 124-km Main Canal and its associated branches and distributaries, has only undergone intermittent repair work. Farmers’ associations, particularly those in the tail-end regions, have consistently emphasized the need for a comprehensive upgrade and the adoption of micro-irrigation techniques to ensure equitable water distribution.

The WRD has assured farmers that the rehabilitation project envisions restoring the canals to their original design standards. This includes minimizing conveyance losses and maximizing canal efficiency. The planned rehabilitation is expected to employ modern construction methods, including Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) trough sections, precast concrete slabs, and Random Rubble (RR) masonry.

“The project is envisioned to enhance water usage and minimize water losses through modern construction methods such as RCC and concrete,” WRD officials stated.

Following the State government’s approval, the proposal will be submitted to the Central Water Commission, which will determine potential funding sources under various relevant schemes. The rehabilitation of the PAP Canal System is a crucial undertaking for ensuring sustainable water management and supporting the agricultural livelihoods of countless farmers in the region.

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