Tamil Nadu Water Management Farmers Association
Urappanavilai,
Ammandivilai Post,
Kanyakumari District – 629204
To:
The Special Officer,
Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Office,
Fort St. George,
Chennai – 600009.
Subject:
Request for Implementation of River Interlinking Project and Improvement of Irrigation Facilities in Tamil Nadu
Respected Sir,
Tamil Nadu is a land of abundant water, soil, and human resources. Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and livelihood. However, due to inefficiencies in water management, a significant portion of our agricultural land remains unproductive, leading to economic hardships for farmers.
It is alarming to note that out of the total rainfall water available, only 33.3% is utilized effectively in Tamil Nadu. The remaining 67.7% is wasted as it flows into the sea. This imbalance causes floods on one hand and droughts on the other. To overcome this dual challenge, it is essential to implement efficient water management strategies and harness the potential of river water optimally.
River Interlinking Project – A Crucial Solution
Interlinking the major rivers of Tamil Nadu can provide a permanent solution to water scarcity in agricultural regions.
Rivers to be Interlinked:
- Cauvery
- South Pennar
- Palar
- Vaigai
- North Pennar
- Thamirabarani
- Velliyar
By creating canals and connecting these rivers, water from surplus regions can be redirected to areas experiencing scarcity. This would ensure a balanced distribution of water across the state and prevent wastage.
Previous Efforts and Delays
Although discussions about interlinking rivers have been ongoing for decades, tangible progress has been slow. This lack of action has negatively impacted the expectations and livelihoods of farmers across Tamil Nadu.
Key Recommendations:
- Accelerate River Interlinking Projects:
- Construct canals to connect east-flowing rivers and channel water to water-deficient regions.
- Ensure proper water circulation through new canals and reservoirs.
- Construction of Reservoirs and Tanks:
- Build check dams and reservoirs to store rainwater effectively.
- Create large tanks in low-lying areas to store water, and use high-capacity water pumps to transfer water to higher altitudes.
- Implement as a Self-Financing Scheme:
- Farmers are willing to convert their dry lands into irrigated lands if provided with adequate water resources.
- The government can finance the initial expenses and recover costs from farmers over time, making it a self-sustaining model.
- Revamp Irrigation Facilities:
- Construct new canals and repair existing ones.
- Restore old tanks and bore wells to enhance water availability.
- Introduce advanced irrigation systems for efficient water utilization.
Benefits of the Project:
- A significant increase in the area of irrigated agricultural lands.
- Economic upliftment of farmers across the state.
- Reduction in flood damage and drought-related crises.
- Efficient and sustainable management of Tamil Nadu’s water resources.
Therefore,
We humbly request the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Office to take immediate steps to implement these recommendations under your leadership. This project will not only transform the lives of Tamil Nadu’s farmers but also strengthen the state’s agricultural and water management sectors Tamil Nadu Water Management Farmers Association, Urappanavilai.
