The Thirukovilur Periya Lake in Tamil Nadu, spanning 95 acres, serves as a vital water source for approximately 1,000 acres of agricultural land. The lake, which sustains nearby irrigation systems, has been facing a severe crisis after unprecedented flooding in the Tenpennai River. The floodwaters caused significant damage to the lake’s canal system, especially the Thirukovilur lake canal, which stretches over a distance of 3 km.
The canal, which carries excess water from the lake to seven other lakes in the region, including Kachikuchchan, Avikkolappakkam, and Kaattuppaiyur, has now been severely impacted. The river, which typically feeds into this canal, experienced abnormal flooding recently, causing sand deposits along a 3-km stretch of the canal. In addition, the stone structures that once supported the canal’s foundation have been entirely destroyed.
This catastrophic event comes on the heels of extreme rainfall that flooded the Tenpennai River, leaving the water channel blocked and affecting the water supply to Thirukovilur Lake and its connected irrigation system. The flooded waters, instead of flowing as intended, diverted to the western side, rendering the canal system ineffective. This misdirection of water has resulted in the irrigation systems of the neighboring fields being disrupted.
Additionally, ten more canal systems, including those feeding water to agricultural regions like Villandai, Kazhumarum, and Kadadi, have been equally damaged, further exacerbating the challenges for local farmers. With the Sathanur Dam reaching its full capacity, there are concerns that releasing water for the second round of irrigation might worsen the situation, as the water will not be able to reach the lakes that rely on these canals for water supply.
The farmers, already grappling with the aftermath of these natural calamities, have expressed deep frustration over the failure of government agencies to assess the damage caused by the floods. They have pointed out that neither the Water Resources Department nor the District Revenue Department has conducted a proper evaluation of the canal and lake damage.
The farmers have urged the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department to take immediate action and repair the critical canals, especially the Thirukovilur lake canal, on a war-footing. The department has been called upon to conduct a direct assessment of the damage and submit a detailed report to the government to initiate prompt restoration work.
The farmers have stressed the urgency of repairing the canals and restoring the irrigation system to prevent further losses in the region's agricultural output. They have also asked for the authorities to work on a war-footing to ensure that such a situation does not arise again in the future, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region’s agricultural economy.
