Mon Jan 05 13:32:30 UTC 2026: Summary:

The PAP Vellakovil Branch Canal Water Conservation Association in Tamil Nadu, India, has petitioned Union Agriculture Minister Shivaj Singh Chouhan to intervene in the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) modernization. The association advocates for pipeline-based distribution and micro-irrigation systems similar to those in Israel and the Athikadavu-Avinashi scheme, opposing concrete-lining. They also requested the Minister to withhold funding approval until the project is redesigned using advanced engineering solutions, enhance water-carrying capacity to at least 2,000 cusecs, and implement the long-pending Anamalaiyar–Nallar sub-projects. Additionally, the petition addressed issues like compensation for livestock lost to stray dog attacks and pollution from Tiruppur Corporation’s unsegregated waste disposal.

News Article:

Tamil Nadu Farmers Urge Modernization of Parambikulam Aliyar Project, Raise Environmental Concerns

TIRUPPUR, India – January 5, 2026 – The PAP Vellakovil Branch Canal Water Conservation Association has appealed to Union Agriculture Minister Shivaj Singh Chouhan, requesting his intervention in the modernization of the critical Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP). In a petition submitted Monday, the association emphasized the need for a shift towards pipeline-based distribution and micro-irrigation systems, drawing parallels with successful models implemented in Israel and the Athikadavu-Avinashi scheme.

The association has strongly opposed concrete-lining for the project, urging the Minister to withhold approval of funding sought by the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department until a comprehensive redesign is undertaken. They argue for advanced engineering solutions that better align with current agricultural and climatic needs.

“Conventional methods have proven inadequate,” stated P. Velusamy, president of the association, highlighting the necessity for enhancing the water-carrying capacity between dams to at least 2,000 cusecs to meet the growing irrigation demands of the region.

The project directly benefits approximately 4.25 lakh acres across the Palar and Aliyar Basins. The association stressed that any sub-optimal solution would have severe, long-term repercussions for agriculture in the area. The long-delayed Anamalaiyar–Nallar sub-projects, crucial for equitable water distribution, were also brought to the Minister’s attention.

Beyond water management, the petition also addressed pressing environmental and social concerns. Farmers are seeking fair compensation at market rates for livestock lost to stray dog attacks. The association also highlighted the severe pollution caused by the Tiruppur Corporation’s practice of dumping unsegregated waste, impacting agricultural lands and the overall environment.

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