Farmers relying on the Lower Bhavani Project in Tamil Nadu are urging authorities to establish a clear and permanent system for providing water to the Athikadavu-Avinashi project. This initiative by the state government aims to rejuvenate water bodies in Erode, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore districts, connecting over 1,000 ponds, tanks, and lakes through a pipeline network. Concerns have been raised by Lower Bhavani Project farmers regarding the current water diversion methods for the Athikadavu-Avinashi scheme.
The farmers are advocating for a well-defined allocation process similar to other irrigation networks linked to the Bhavanisagar Dam. President of the Lower Bhavani Ayacut Land Owners Association, S. Periyasamy, emphasized the need to protect traditional irrigation systems while supporting the Athikadavu-Avinashi project. Farmers want assurances that water will only be supplied when there is surplus water available after meeting existing irrigation needs.
Periyasamy highlighted the existing structured frameworks for various irrigation projects and called for a similar setup for the Athikadavu-Avinashi scheme. He stressed the importance of adhering to the sanctioned limit of 1.5 tmc for water withdrawals. The district administration has been approached by farmers to seek clarity on the guidelines governing water diversion to the project, amid assurances from the Water Resources Department officials that no water is currently being drawn from the Bhavanisagar Dam for the Athikadavu-Avinashi initiative.
