Wed Jan 14 16:09:46 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Madurai Celebrates Legacy of British Engineer Behind Mullaperiyar Dam Amid New Water Project

The Story:

The city of Madurai, India, is benefiting from a new drinking water scheme that draws directly from the Lower Dam of the Mullaperiyar Dam in Idukki district, Kerala. This initiative, made possible by the engineering work of Colonel John Pennycuick, is providing a generous supply of water, impacting local canned water suppliers. Pennycuick, over a century ago, diverted the west-flowing Periyar river to Tamil Nadu, a feat celebrated for irrigating the water-starved Melur region. While Madurai has long received Mullaperiyar water, this new project under the AMRUT scheme highlights the ongoing dependence on Pennycuick’s legacy. Calls are being made for a memorial in Madurai to commemorate his contribution and educate future generations.

Key Points:

  • A new drinking water scheme in Madurai is drawing water directly from the Mullaperiyar Dam.
  • The scheme is impacting local canned water suppliers due to the abundance of piped water.
  • Colonel John Pennycuick, a British engineer, is credited with the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam and the diversion of the Periyar river.
  • The dam, built in 1895, irrigates over 2 lakh acres in Madurai and Sivaganga districts.
  • There are growing calls for a memorial to Colonel Pennycuick in Madurai to honor his contribution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mullaperiyar Dam remains a vital water source for Madurai, underscoring the enduring impact of historical engineering projects.
  • Public awareness campaigns are needed to educate citizens about the source and significance of their water supply and the contribution of Colonel John Pennycuick.
  • The reliance on a dam built in 1895 raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the water supply and the potential need for further infrastructure development.

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